The 58th edition of the Rally of Portugal is off to an exhilarating start, with a packed lineup and an exciting series of events in store for fans and drivers alike. The rally, which is the fifth round of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC), has already shown why it remains one of the most anticipated events in the rally calendar, with 95 entries this year, including 12 from the Rally1 category.
The action kicked off on Thursday morning with the shakedown at the Baltar circuit, where drivers made final adjustments ahead of the competitive stages. The real thrill began later in the evening with the Super Special Stage (SSS) in the heart of Figueira da Foz, where the drivers competed on asphalt, setting the tone for the rest of the event.
As the rally progressed through Friday and Saturday, drivers faced a range of challenges, from the iconic stages in Lousã, Góis, and Arganil, to the return of Sever do Vouga/Albergaria-a-Velha. For the competitors, the key would be balancing speed with precision and handling the tough conditions of the Portuguese terrain.
Among the key drivers to watch are Thierry Neuville, currently in third place overall, who is looking to capitalize on his past success in Portugal, having won the event in 2018. Neuville, still searching for his first win of the season, is known for his consistency and will need to dig deep to keep up with the top contenders.
At the top of the standings, Elfyn Evans (Toyota Yaris), who leads the championship with two wins already this season (Sweden and Kenya), will be looking to extend his lead. Evans has been in dominant form, and his knowledge of the course could make him a favorite to lift the trophy.
However, Kalle Rovanperä, the reigning two-time champion, has shown he’s ready to challenge. Rovanperä’s display in the Canary Islands was a reminder of his ability to dominate on any surface, and with his return to full-time participation after a break in 2024, he is primed to continue his pursuit of another WRC title.
Rally of Portugal – Key Times and Stages:
- Thursday, May 15:
- 09:31 – Shakedown, Baltar (5.72 km)
- 19:05 – SS1, Figueira da Foz SSS (2.94 km)
- Friday, May 16:
- 07:35 – SS2, Mortágua (14.59 km)
- 13:05 – SS6, Lousã 2 (12.28 km)
- 19:20 – SS11, Sever/Albergaria (20.24 km)
- Saturday, May 17:
- 07:35 – SS12, Vieira do Minho 1 (17.69 km)
- 15:05 – SS15, Vieira do Minho 2 (17.69 km)
- 19:05 – SS18, Lousada SSS (3.52 km)
- Sunday, May 18:
- 06:43 – SS19, Paredes 1 (16.09 km)
- 13:15 – SS24, Fafe 2 – Power Stage (11.18 km)
A Potential Game-Changer:
Looking forward, one of the most exciting prospects of this rally is the duel between Jannik Sinner and Sébastien Ogier. With the WRC battles heating up and fresh drivers making their mark, the Rally of Portugal promises to be a thrilling ride with more action-packed stages and intense rivalries that could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Fans are eagerly waiting for the ultimate showdown that will determine who will claim victory in this historic event and continue to carve their names into the annals of motorsport history.