As the excitement builds for Rally de Portugal (May 9-12), TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is gearing up with a formidable line-up of four drivers, poised to continue their streak of success on the challenging gravel terrain.
The team’s star-studded roster includes two world champion drivers, Kalle Rovanperä and Sébastien Ogier, who have both tasted victory in recent rounds in Kenya and Croatia respectively. Rovanperä, eyeing a third consecutive win in Portugal, joins forces with Ogier, a five-time victor of the event, sharing the record for the most victories with Markku Alén.
Adding to the formidable line-up is Elfyn Evans, a previous winner in Portugal whose consistent performance has propelled him to within six points of the drivers’ championship lead. Evans’ victory in 2021 marked one of four consecutive wins by TGR-WRT at Rally de Portugal since 2019. Alongside the seasoned champions, Takamoto Katsuta is set to showcase his prowess on the gravel tracks, aiming to contribute towards the team’s manufacturers’ championship lead.
Rally de Portugal marks the beginning of seven consecutive gravel rallies, set against the scenic backdrop of Porto in northern Portugal. The stages, known for their fast yet technical nature, pose a formidable challenge to drivers with a surface that transitions from soft and sandy to rocky and rutted.
The rally route, reminiscent of previous years, kicks off around the historic city of Coimbra, featuring a mix of iconic stages including the famed Fafe Power Stage. With stages ranging from the fast-paced to the challenging, drivers will navigate through the picturesque Cabreira mountains and tackle the grueling Amarante stage, the longest of the season so far at 37.24 km.
In addition to the main contenders, the GR Yaris Rally2 will also make its mark in WRC2 with eight entries, marking the largest representation on any rally so far in its debut season. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and debutants, including Australia’s Lewis Bates and Frenchman Jean-Michel Raoux, the Rally de Portugal promises thrills and excitement across all categories.
As anticipation mounts for the action-packed rally weekend, fans can expect a display of skill, speed, and determination as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing aims to conquer Rally de Portugal and extend their dominance in the FIA World Rally Championship.
