Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 Rally 1) is the first leader of the Rally of Portugal, which really starts tomorrow with the famous stages in the Arganil and Lousã area
Foz, which brought together thousands of people. The 2.9 kilometer urban route had little competitive interest, it was basically an event for the public. It’s not every day that the best drivers and most sophisticated cars in the world pass by your door.
World championship leader Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 Rally 1) was the fastest in the winding city stage, and was surprised by the number of people “there are a lot of spectators on the track, I hope they saw something good”, said the Belgian. Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris Rally 1), finished second at 0.6 s, without taking too many risks “I tried to be careful with the tires”. Ott Tänak (Hyundai I20 Rally1) and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota Yaris Rally 1) achieved the third best time at 2 se Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Yaris Rally 1) was fifth at 2.4 s “I like driving for the fans, but it’s important save the tires for tomorrow”, explained the world champion. Adrien Fourmaux was the best Ford driver with sixth time at 3.3 s “it’s always good to have stages like this with so many fans”, said the Puma Rally 1 driver.
During the morning the shakedown took place, which allowed the drivers to make the final adjustments to the cars. Spaniard Dani Sordo was the most diligent, making three passes through the section and had the best time, ahead of other Hyundai drivers Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville. “I am truly excited to be driving again, especially in Portugal. There are several strong drivers, the fight will be intense, but I hope to win”, said Sordo, who crews the i20 Rally 1. Kalle Rovanperä, stopped prematurely at the service park with a problem in the hybrid system of the Yaris Rally1.
This session was used by brands to carry out promotional actions. Tennis player João Sousa went through strong emotions alongside Thierry Neuville, in the i20 N Rally1, and chef José Avillez rode at high speed alongside Takamoto Katsuta, in Yaris Rally1. Sébastien Ogier had in his navigator’s seat the winner of an initiative launched by Race for Good, a charitable association founded by André Villas-Boas, who raffled off a co-drive with the French driver, with the funds going to action institutions Social.
Tomorrow the second section of the first stage will be held in the central zone, with eight stages, totaling 127 kilometers on the clock. Drivers will encounter fast dirt roads and other wreckers, which can wreak havoc on the rally caravan.
Mortágua 1 (18.1 km) – 08:05
Lousã 1 (12.2 km) – 09:35
Góis 1 (14.3 km) – 10:35 am
Arganil 1 (18.7 km) – 11:35 am
Regroup in Arganil 12:15 p.m.
Lousã 2 (12.2 km) – 2:05 pm
Góis 2 (14.3 km) – 3:05 pm
Arganil 2 (18.7 km) – 4:05 pm
Mortágua 2 (18.1 km) – 5:35 pm
