The World Rally Championship is gearing up for an intense gravel season with the highly anticipated Rally Portugal kicking off a series of seven consecutive gravel rallies. With Toyota’s Elfyn Evans leading the title race by 43 points over teammate Kalle Rovanpera, and Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville trailing by 50 points, the competition is heating up as the drivers prepare to tackle the challenging gravel stages.
Rovanpera, who recently secured a remarkable victory in the Canary Islands, is looking to continue his winning streak and close the gap to Evans. However, challenges lie ahead as the drivers adapt to new Hankook tires and navigate the demanding gravel terrains. With Rovanpera starting second on the road and facing the task of road cleaning, his performance in Portugal will be a true test of his skills and determination.
Meanwhile, Hyundai is desperate for a victory to challenge Toyota’s dominance this season. After a tough outing in the Canary Islands, Hyundai is determined to showcase the improvements made to their i20 N Rally1 on gravel terrain. Neuville, Tanak, and Fourmaux will be looking to make their mark in Portugal and narrow the gap to the leading Toyota drivers.
For Evans, the current championship leader, Portugal presents a significant challenge as he opens the road on the gravel stages. Despite his strong start to the season, Evans will need to overcome the obstacle of road sweeping and maintain his performance to secure valuable points in the title race.
As the drivers gear up for a grueling weekend in Portugal, the stage is set for a thrilling battle on the gravel roads. With each driver vying for supremacy and crucial points, Rally Portugal promises high-octane action and intense competition as the WRC season unfolds.