Fafe is one of those magical places on the WRC calendar and one of the most anticipated by drivers and fans. Images from years ago reveal the legend created around this place. Fafe is a special stage that has become iconic due to its famous jump, which catapults cars for a good tens of meters. What makes this location even more incredible is the fact that it is located right before the finish line of the stage that ends the Portuguese round. And there are extra points to be gained, because it is the Power Stage after all.
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The craziest jumps in history in Fafe – Rally de Portugal
See how riders overcame the iconic Pedra Sentada jump in Fafe over three decades.
Rally fans idolize this place. Long jumps require precise landings as there is not much space. The gravel track is narrow and it’s easy to slide off the road right and left and get stuck on the hard, rocky banks. If you make a mistake, you will have a spectacular accident in front of thousands of spectators watching the races from the slope of Confurco. Do you think it’s dangerous? In the 80s, when security issues were taken somewhat lightly, cars landed in the middle of crowds that separated at the last minute. Now, flights can be enjoyed without fear. And after landing, you immediately have to steer the car gently to the right and run the last few hundred meters to the finish line.
The jump is impressive, but the entire Fafe race, just over 11 km, is spectacular. It is very rhythmic and has a picturesque location, giving fans a long minute to admire the rally cars speeding by. The fans love this rally not just because of Fafe. The gravel roads test the drivers’ abilities. The races are technical and narrow in places, which, combined with the loose surface, means there is little room for error.
This year’s edition of the Rally de Portugal features 22 special events, covering a total of 337 km. The races start on Thursday with the impressive but short Figueira da Foz race. On Friday, six stages of 129 km are scheduled, but without service between stages. On Saturday, there are nine stages, including the legendary Amarante and Paredes races, and up to 145 km. On Sunday, 62 km remain to be covered and, of course, Fafe twice.
Neuville counts on rain, Ogier looks for the record
In Portugal, the first place in the drivers’ classification is defended by Thierry Neuville. The Belgian is the most successful this season and has six points more than second placed, Elfyn Evans. The driver won the Monte Carlo Rally, which opened the season, and added points in the following races, although he did not achieve such a spectacular result as in the opening round. In Portugal, however, there will be a difficult battle. Neuville, as WRC leader, opens the tracks during the first day, something he doesn’t particularly like in a rally held on dirt. If it doesn’t rain – and the forecast doesn’t indicate that it will rain – he will waste time clearing the route of the loose gravel layer. In a similar situation is his main rival Evans, who will start in second place on the course. Things are more favorable for Otto Tanaka. He takes to the circuits in fourth place and looks to find the right rhythm and chemistry with the i20 N Rally1 as he returns to Hyundai in the title fight from Portugal.
The best starting positions are occupied by the two Toyota representatives who, this year, only compete in selected rounds – Sebastien Ogier will start fifth and Kalle Rovanpera in seventh. By the way, these are drivers who know how to win on these roads. The Finn was the fastest in the last two editions of the Portuguese race, while Ogier has already won five times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017). In terms of the number of victories on Portuguese gravel tracks, he is tied with Finnish legend Markku Alen, who also triumphed five times (1975, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1987). Since 2018, the Frenchman has been trying to take a step forward and become a leader in his own right, but has not gone beyond third place in six years.
From the second row at the Rally de Portugal, Dani Sordo can attack. The 41-year-old Spaniard has been on the podium of the race on six occasions, including in the last three editions. It’s also worth keeping an eye on M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux, who had a brilliant start to the season and, in Croatia, proved that, despite his problems, he is capable of scoring a reasonable number of points.
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FPV drone vs WRC car
What happens when an FPV drone chases a WRC car? Find out.
