[WRC] Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2025

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/483510492_122207641886085814_2829049380384273994_n .jpg?stp=dst-webp_e15_q70_s1180x1255_tt1_u&efg=eyJ1cmxnZW4iOiJ1cmxnZW5fZnJvbV91cmwifQ&_nc_cid=0&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo4-1.fna&_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=72ps2MLbe6UQ7kNvgHpdTiy&_nc_gid=eqrcZ1PauP8-nxfk7BbeDA&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&oh=00_AYG5KZ-5kS92qVx_h8m8M_3XABpOyHVwp0xVWhMkrzDQhg&oe=67DB4DBD

https://www.ewrc-results.com/timetable/90020-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2025/

[pedro16]

So, after the first look
Arganil, same as 2019.
Mortágua, no idea where the 4km cut is made.
Lousã and Gois with no changes.
Curious to see the 2 new stages. It's a much needed refresh to the route. Shame that it's in the year after the fires that devastated the whole area. The last one will be a night stage for the late runners.

Vieira do Minho is back, might be the same layout as 2017.
Cabeceiras de Basto, same as last year. I miss the old layout. It had the best spectating spot of the whole rally.
Amarante with a huge cut. Mostly at the beginning, but wouldn't discard an earlier finish as well. Stage now starts near the Fridão hairpin. Still the longest stage of the rally.

Sunday with nothing new, only stages switching from Saturday to Sunday.

[CeskyOndra]

Nice kilometres in total but I miss some stage over 30kms.

[Andre Oliveira]

Bulacia / Vallejo in Toyota GR Yaris Rally2

[Dimitris]

Friday will be one of the best days of the entire season!

[Andre Oliveira]

12 Rally1 in Portugal

Diogo Salvi in Ford Puma Rally1

https://www.autosport.pt/ralis/wrc/diogo-salvi-de-ford-puma-rally1-no-rali-de-portugal/

[saepuru]

Was the entry list supposed to come out today?

[Sardalense]

Was the entry list supposed to come out today?

It was published moments ago. 95 entries.

[pedro16]

95 entries

12 Rally1s
55 Rally2s
25 Rally3s
2 Rally4s
1 Rally5

I think that it's the biggest Rally2/R5 list ever at a WRC event.

[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list: https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/90020-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2025/

[EstWRC]

Amazing entry list! I have to visit this rally finally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It'll be great to see Sesks again, plus so many of the WRC2 contenders all at the same rally.

[Odd]

Hello, first post here. Im going to see this event, but i cant find any maps yet. Am I looking from the wrong place or they are not public yet?
Would like to plan our days.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hello, first post here. Im going to see this event, but i cant find any maps yet. Am I looking from the wrong place or they are not public yet?
Would like to plan our days.

Theres a map here:

https://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-portugal-2025/

[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list: https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/90020-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2025/

#35 Potty Maxime * Herman Renaud - Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 DNS due accident recovery
#63 Simões Lucas * Cunha Gonçalo - Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo DNS due driver arm injury

[Sardalense]

Hello, first post here. Im going to see this event, but i cant find any maps yet. Am I looking from the wrong place or they are not public yet?
Would like to plan our days.

Next Friday ;)

[Dimitris]

Big fan of the event’s route, Friday is going to be a killer day!

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2025/rally-portugal-2025-route-preview

[pedro16]

Big fan of the event’s route, Friday is going to be a killer day!

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2025/rally-portugal-2025-route-preview

Big fan of the suggested changes to the route.
Luilhas instead of Paredes on Sunday would also remove a lot of KMs of road section.

[Dimitris]

Thank you! I am not a big fan of Paredes, it feels a bit Mickey Mouse with how the layout is, with so many detours etc

[JRodrigues]

Passats de canto never disappoints!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO7_QtAb2Oc

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GqlPhbWWQAARntH?format=jpg&name=medium

Photo by Tiago Rodrigues

[Jarek Z]

According to Dirtfish Rally Portugal has the largest WRC2 entry list ever. It's actually more interesting than Rally1:
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/posts/pfbid0trZ1S5hRwLyRVkh7JxCfSTvrXbmoMjPdKxGFiBhs5gNL A5yQq5uLpF1cGRVRk9r1l

https://scontent.fktw4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/496821597_1096143499208568_1003384558331156564_n.j pg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=CDmipYiTrZoQ7kNvwHtmamJ&_nc_oc=AdmfiXEHELTFJFic5hL0MW13XVgfpAjDBTEHrpQ82bv ZIc6u_Z7UH9VYaLs-Xqwx8-0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw4-1.fna&_nc_gid=FEt5ZT8wW-x6PukzFwy21w&oh=00_AfLkpnIFDXImAMnjWJDANw9H6LVRuTclp7tho0L8p0s-bw&oe=68298303

[CeskyOndra]

Portugal is just great

[Andre Oliveira]

43

2 are out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's actually more interesting than Rally1:


Especially with all the main WRC2 contenders here facing each other for once.

[spyros]

Morning all, i saw Ogier test and it was wet, any news about wheather during the rally?

[flat_right]

Rovanpera is totally back at it. Second on the road and only Thierry got close to him.

[Rallyper]

Morning guys. also some youngsters doing well.

[jparker]

43

2 are out.

Kris Meeke is not in the list.

[TypeR]

Kris Meeke is not in the list.
Yes, he is. #41

[jparker]

Yes, he is. #41
Not in the record entry list of 45 (DirtFish picture above).

[Mise]

Especially with all the main WRC2 contenders here facing each other for once.

One contender is missing. Emil Lindholm.

[pedro16]

Not in the record entry list of 45 (DirtFish picture above).


There are a few not registered for WRC2 points - Gryazin, Meeke and Sordo being the notorious ones.

55 Rally2s
4DNS
43 registered for WRC2 points

[jparker]

There are a few not registered for WRC2 points - Gryazin, Meeke and Sordo being the notorious ones.
Yes, that might be the case indeed, which makes the list even more impressive. According to Shakedown starting list we have 55 RC2 contenders.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks has done a good time (3rd fastest) on Run 2. Hopefully this bodes well for the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remote servicing is back:

https://x.com/DirtFishRally/status/1922937480950497282

[AndersX]

Very smart PR and marketing move by Sesks team - to take an extra ride and set the fastest time. Works very well for his sponsors and supporters. Very smart!

[EstWRC]

3rd run very even between Kalle, Ogier and Tänak

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning all, i saw Ogier test and it was wet, any news about wheather during the rally?

Not sure of the forecast but Ogier said he doesn't want any rain as the Hankook tyre was scary in the wet !

[Typ85]

Impressive time and 3.5s faster then Fourmaux 4th run who takes extra ride as well. Anyone knows why 10:00:0 for Sesks in the 3rd SD run? Also for Neuville, McErlean and Pajari?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Impressive time and 3.5s faster then Fourmaux 4th run who takes extra ride as well. Anyone knows why 10:00:0 for Sesks in the 3rd SD run? Also for Neuville, McErlean and Pajari?

Runs with a VIP passenger ride not timed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Scott Martin @scottmartinat

Well that’s shakedown complete today and everything feels good. We recced some of tomorrow stages in the wet so it’s difficult to know what the surface is like.

Either way it’s a long long day tomorrow. There will be a lot of cleaning on some stages and hopefully less on others.

[tbazsi95]

58. Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2025 Shakedown
2633

FULL SHAKEDOWN ONBOARD - Sesks/Francis | WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2025:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmekBGyqprs

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The long (not so good) Friday according to some drivers...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/no-time-to-eat-portugal-itinerary-concerns-wrc-drivers/

[spyros]

I predict a big battle between Toyota drivers.

[EstWRC]

Morning.

So let the mega day begin, let’s see who survives

[CeskyOndra]

This stage is not really representative IMO. The road isn't cleaning too much.

[Eli]

Neuville already hitting a bank.

[Rallyper]

Mawning, friends. Exciting day ahead.

[Rallyper]

Ogier saying setup is too soft. Katsuta already + 2 secs early on stage. Tanak -0,2 on Kalle at finish.

[EstWRC]

The times are so close between everyone to be honest

[flat_right]

Everyone is quite close, so no Rally Islas Canarias repeat! :D It’s looking promising.

[EstWRC]

This is Tanaks 398 stage win. 2 to go until 400.

But good to see Hyundai back, will be a nice rally if they hold together

[tbazsi95]

SS2 Sesks puncture :/

[focus206]

If all stages will be like this, then Evans lucky again with the road condition. But let's see

[EstWRC]

If all stages will be like this, then Evans lucky again with the road condition. But let's see

Yep and even some damp patches on ss3

[focus206]

If anything, the stage seems to be getting slower, Pajari and the Pumas slower than usual

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A lot drier on this one, Evans could suffer more with cleaning the road.

[EstWRC]

Finally a stage that’s cleaning

[trykmann]

Ott said to Martin that it feels like a completely different car, lots of understeer.

[EstWRC]

Ott said to Martin that it feels like a completely different car, lots of understeer.

Understandable. Totally different stage surface wise than the two previous ones

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great time by Fourmaux.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some SS4 Quotes

Katsuta Takamoto
Johnston A.
"It's okay. All good."

Fourmaux Adrien
Coria A.
"Really beautiful stage. The tyre choice was interesting, we'll see. Great success!"

Tänak Ott
Järveoja Martin
"Interesting. Totally different car." (Right after stage end)

Neuville Thierry
Wydaeghe M.
"Difficult. I'm trying hard. The balance wasn't great and I don't know.. we'll see."

Ogier Sébastien
Landais V.
"We are trying our best. Not having a mega rhythm in the first two stages and we'll have to keep fighting.

[becher]

So Neuville finally woke up?

Edit: No

[focus206]

So Neuville finally woke up?

He just doesn't seem as fast/comfortable with hybridless + Hankook compared to hybrid + Pirelli of last year.
Some stages good, some stages not so good...

[jonkka]

So Neuville finally woke up?

Edit: No

No, not until tomorrow. His habit is to lazy down on first proper day, then stage more or less successful comeback later.

[jonkka]

Fourmaux to take the lead? He's already even with Tanak at split 4.

[EstWRC]

Great morning, very close gaps and battles thanks to the fact that it’s not cleaning as much.

[Rallyper]

Rovanpera on hard tyres? And the rest on soft?

[meh]

Interesting to see what Rovanperä and Evans can do on the 2nd loop. Ogier did a really good stage for his road position, and Tänak did a good stage considering incorrect tyre choice.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not a bad loop for Evans opening the road. Lets see if he can bring back any time and places on the second run of some stages.

E. Mads Ostberg reckons not and he'll lose more time.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak says his last 2 stages were very different and quite terrible with understeer.

[EstWRC]

Again wrong tyre choice for Tänak ?

[flat_right]

Again wrong tyre choice for Tänak ?

I didn't see what he took compared to the others. Was there any information about it?

[meh]

For tomorrow, maybe it's not bad at all if Tänak drops from 1st to 4th.

edit: nvm, brain-error.

[meh]

Is the old maps solution lagging or Tänak is stopped.

edit: panic is over, maps was lagging.

[EstWRC]

Why the hell isn’t Fourmaux moving?

[jonkka]

Fourmaux isn't moving either nor producing splits.

[TypeR]

Just staying in the middle of the road..

[EstWRC]

This is such a brain fade from Fourmaux

[focus206]

Ah, come on Adrien...

[Rallyper]

Are spectators not allowed to put the car aside? Are marshalls crazy?

[Rallyper]

Are spectators not allowed to put the car aside? Are marshalls crazy?

Just sayin´, in Finland the car woould´ve been away for thirty seconds.

[JRodrigues]

it's not the mashalls... it's the militaries that are just put there and don't know what to do, so they don't let anyone near the car.

[CeskyOndra]

Yeah it's the police. I've been spectating exactly in this spot last year and there were loads of them.. Also there is a rock on the inside of that corner but it shouldn't damage a healthy steering arm..

[EstWRC]

it's not the mashalls... it's the militaries that are just put there and don't know what to do, so they don't let anyone near the car.

He could have reversed himself!

Just to be like a offended baby there and do nothing was just stupid

[TypeR]

Sordo had accident - lost over 30min and Meeke had puncture, but still leading national overall

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville woke up nicely, it was important for him to not lose more than 30 seconds overall.

[meh]

For 8 stages, 6 different stage winners.
https://www.wrc.com/en/events/wrc-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2025/wrc-rally-portugal-2025-results?page=results&tab=stage-winners

[JRodrigues]

Yeah it's the police. I've been spectating exactly in this spot last year and there were loads of them.. Also there is a rock on the inside of that corner but it shouldn't damage a healthy steering arm..

just like here:
https://www.facebook.com/100012183615007/videos/1870345153735885/?rdid=qmgR4A3w7hXKN85z#

they only got to the car when the militaries let them

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm gutted for Fourmaux and also for us with spoiling the battle. Such an innocuous looking mistake took out the Hyundai suspension but that isn't unusual.

I think the car was stuck in some way and couldn't be driven or even rolled away. The crowd had a hard job pushing it eventually when allowed.

[linni]

I'm gutted for Fourmaux and also for us with spoiling the battle. Such an innocuous looking mistake took out the Hyundai suspension but that isn't unusual.

I think the car was stuck in some way and couldn't be driven or even rolled away. The crowd had a hard job pushing it eventually when allowed.

The nose dig in. Would have been enough to reverse it or for the crowd to push sideways.

[Managarium]

Toyota has two different side air intakes: on the left side there are two ducts, on the right side only one.


https://i.postimg.cc/3NnjQYy7/498930059-17956811606939805-6491668206963021309-n.jpg (https://postimg.cc/V000jyBH)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks was pretty lucky which made up a bit for his bad luck this morning.

With tyres slightly off the rim, can crews fix them ?

[jonkka]

Toyota has two different side air intakes: on the left side there are two ducts, on the right side only one.


Smaller ones are, my guess, for rear brake cooling. Last year, I would have guessed larger to be for hybrid unit but that's no longer needed.

[linni]

Theoretically, if you give a big sudden inflation push, it is possible. And crews have co2 bottles in the car. Has it be done practically - no idea.

Edit - to fast Eddie.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Theoretically, if you give a big sudden inflation push, it is possible. And crews have co2 bottles in the car. Has it be done practically - no idea.

Edit - to fast Eddie.

Thanks. And Ostberg just answered in commentary.

[EstWRC]

Ogier has been mega in the end on the rally cross tarmac

[focus206]

Rookie McErlean passes Munster...

[linni]

Man, what a pacenotes for Kalle - might heard wrong, but the note was like -"älä usko" - "do not believe". Maybe jonkka can verify.

[denkimi]

Theoretically, if you give a big sudden inflation push, it is possible. And crews have co2 bottles in the car. Has it be done practically - no idea.

Edit - to fast Eddie.
Some brake cleaner and a lighter.

But tyres don't just come off the rim without good previous reason. And that reason is almost always that the tyre was deflated due to damage first.

And even if they would come of the rim without being damaged, you would need to stop quite immediatelly or you would destroy them still.

[linni]

Some brake cleaner and a lighter.

But tyres don't just come off the rim without good previous reason. And that reason is almost always that the tyre was deflated due to damage first.

And even if they would come of the rim without being damaged, you would need to stop quite immediatelly or you would destroy them still.

Yes, works also, if the stars are aligned right.
But Sesks - I believe at least one tyre was ok, the one that came off hitting the bank. Happened even to some wannabe streetracers :)

[EstWRC]

Congrats Tänak, 400th stage win and leading the rally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier didn't lose much time on the last two stages and saved his Soft tyres. Ominous for the others tomorrow.

[jonkka]

Man, what a pacenotes for Kalle - might heard wrong, but the note was like -"älä usko" - "do not believe". Maybe jonkka can verify.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch that (I mostly watch *irated stream muted as commentary is in languages I don't understand).
However, it is plausible note because it's used in situations where road seems to do one thing but actually is doing something else so driver should not trust what he sees.

[Dontcut]

Unfortunately, I didn't catch that (I mostly watch *irated stream muted as commentary is in languages I don't understand).
However, it is plausible note because it's used in situations where road seems to do one thing but actually is doing something else so driver should not trust what he sees.

"Deceptive" in english what they mean.

[meh]

Virves stopped at SS10? Between split 3 and split 4.

[jonkka]

"Deceptive" in english what they mean.

Yes, exactly.

[EstWRC]

Ogier didn't lose much time on the last two stages and saved his Soft tyres. Ominous for the others tomorrow.

To the honest there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between the tyre compounds

[focus206]

Tanak vs Ogier for the win it seems. Can Kalle reel them in and join the fight with some monster times?
Good job to all the drivers, I expected much more carnage today.

[meh]

The cap for Rovanperä is not small, but.. he is not the guy you don't count on. If he finds the sweetspot for setup and feeling, then he can climb to the fight. Neuville is not far away from him either.

[becher]

Unfortunately, I didn't catch that (I mostly watch *irated stream muted as commentary is in languages I don't understand).
However, it is plausible note because it's used in situations where road seems to do one thing but actually is doing something else so driver should not trust what he sees.

Are you looking for a stream in english?

[drive]

any more news on Fourmaux dnf? seen Dirtfish video, still not sure

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrFusoGWgAE3uTs?format=jpg&name=medium

[AnttiK7]

Man, what a pacenotes for Kalle - might heard wrong, but the note was like -"älä usko" - "do not believe".

Rather than "älä usko", it was actually "älä, usko", so they are two separate pieces of information for the same corner. "Älä" means "don't" for "don't cut" and "usko" means "trust". And yeah, like jonkka said earlier Kalle uses "usko" for a deceptive corner where you need to trust the note and not drive with your eye.

[WRCStan]

Either of these are strange. Why not just write notes you trust always and every time?

[TypeR]

SS12-14

5 Soft:
Tanak, Neuville, Fourmaux, McErlean

1H 4S:
Evans, Ogier, Katsuta, Munster, Pajari, Sesks

2H 3S:
Rovanpera

[EstWRC]

Love this rally

The atmosphere is always great, many many fans, stages are great, awesome views from heli.

Such a contract with Canary Islands

There’s a reason why it has been awarded 5 times the best rally in the world

[jonkka]

Yes, these smooth forest roads look much nicer than the rough, dusty hills.

[CeskyOndra]

Will say it again, munster has nothing to do in Rally1

[EstWRC]

Horrible understeer for Tänak

[EstWRC]

Evans today with better road position is showing the same speed as first on the road yesterday. Weird

[Rallyper]

Evans only looking for Sunday points then?

[denkimi]

Evans today with better road position is showing the same speed as first on the road yesterday. Weird

he doesn't need better speed. he won't catch neuville on speed, nobody behind is a threat, and pajari will swap places. he can just cruise safely to 6th and hope someone in front get problems.

[linni]

Ott has gone full attack. Third split 1,4 sec to Ogier.

[1988senna]

what happened to sesks why so slow

[jonkka]

Tanak was well up on Ogier by mid-stage but lost in the end. Interesting.

[meh]

Ott has gone full attack. Third split 1,4 sec to Ogier.

and lost 6.5 sec with last few splits. (puncture)

[linni]

Puncture for Ott.

[denkimi]

and only 1 spare. he will have to be careful on the next stage.

[EstWRC]

This is such a deja vu from last years rally when Tänak had puncture and Ogier won the rally by 7.9 seconds in the end

[Dontcut]

and only 1 spare. he will have to be careful on the next stage.

Shit, that's bad

[TypeR]

Thousands of kilometres behind the wheel, but Solberg talking like he just sat in the car this morning.

New to reversing this car, new to stalling this car, new to driving on gravel in this car..

[Rallyper]

Thousands of kilometres behind the wheel, but Solberg talking like he just sat in the car this morning.

New to reversing this car, new to stalling this car, new to driving on gravel in this car..

Behind the wheel driving, not rehearsal spinning and reversing I guess.

[BlueStrike]

So I wasn‘t imagining that bad split from Ogier that popped up a couple of minutes ago. Doesn‘t look like there‘s anything wrong on the car, though.

[focus206]

If Tanak doesn't run into trouble he can win it, he's faster than Ogier

[Rallyper]

Tanak, old good Tanak!

[Tauri_J]

Thats some vintage Tänak

[fantastic.priit]

Ott Tänak! Lets Go! Not old Tänak. Its New! Always new!

[EstWRC]

great response from Ott

such a shame about the slow puncture on previous one, otherwise the gap would have been close to 20 secs

[CeskyOndra]

Ott will win it. I knew it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good last stage from Tanak, but it was Ogier who was slow too being only 5th fastest. I wouldn't write him off yet though.

[EstWRC]

Cmon. Nothing isn’t decided

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans being beaten on every stage today by Pajari with very similar road positions isn't good.

[jonkka]

Somewhat embarassing to Munster and McErlean that Sesks is beating them both, in similar car and running in front of them on the road.

[philippebugalski]

Tanak in full “Tanak” mode for the afternoon with no spares 😎
Proper rough stage, with a lot of risks to be taken, enjoying the rally a lot so far…

[denkimi]

Tanak in full “Tanak” mode for the afternoon with no spares 😎
Proper rough stage, with a lot of risks to be taken, enjoying the rally a lot so far…
He has a spare now for the afternoon loop as far as i know

[focus206]

I don't think Ogier has what it takes speedwise to do anything against Tanak this weekend... Ott "just" has to keep it clean

[denkimi]

I don't think Ogier has what it takes speedwise to do anything against Tanak this weekend... Ott "just" has to keep it clean
This is not the ogier of 2013 anymore.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I don't think Ogier has what it takes speedwise to do anything against Tanak this weekend... Ott "just" has to keep it clean

And that i20 has to hold together...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And that i20 has to hold together...

Power steering has gone !

[meh]

And that i20 has to hold together...

Tänak lost powersteering. F*cking hell.

[EstWRC]

Power steering done for Tänak

[Rallyper]

Power steering has gone !

seems so...

[jonkka]

You were saying? :/

[CeskyOndra]

Oh my god, that shitbox.. no words.. gutted....

[EstWRC]

Like I said. Deja vu like last year, then he had puncture and lost the win and now this

[TypeR]

Quality is amazing..

Fkin hell

[CeskyOndra]

How is that possible... Tanak is just cursed

[Eli]

And that i20 has to hold together...

& of Course the Hyundai had to give....ffs, it makes the C3 WRC seem realiable in comparisson...

[focus206]

And that i20 has to hold together...

And here we go...
Sorry for Ott, deserved the win this weekend.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Martin is changing gear !

[TypeR]

Abibudu.. what do you say now?

[focus206]

& of Course the Hyundai had to give....ffs, it makes the C3 WRC seem realiable in comparisson...

The C3 was more reliable than the i20 (especially compared to the 2022-2023 version). Problem was, the C3 was even more difficult to drive and set up than the i20...

[EstWRC]

Fast Eddie cursed it

[Eli]

Abibudu.. what do you say now?

"Obvously the regulations are against us...let us use the IONIQ 5N for rallying"

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I had a feeling... and with others saying it was pretty rough.

Also they didn't take this new car to Safari.

[Dontcut]

Whatever happens tonight on last stage, tomorrow Ott will drive wheels off from that shitbox and goes for Kalle and Ogier.

[BlueStrike]

Potentially 5th after Lousada tonight.

I do wish "The quality is amazing" wouldn‘t be the greatest end-of-stage evergreen to come out of Ott‘s mouth.

[stavrosGDB]

As an Ott fan,this is getting very frustrating.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Powerslide @PowerslideMedia

The Amarante curse strikes again for Tanak...

After 2017 and 2021, the Estonian has lost a win in Portugal for a third time on the same stage.

[EstWRC]

Even Thierry was so gutted :(

[fantastic.priit]

Ott gonna win tomorrow. Mark my words!

[CeskyOndra]

Even Thierry was so gutted :(

Who isn't.. Disaster year for Hyundai.. They will be glad for a single win this season huh...

[denkimi]

Ott gonna win tomorrow. Mark my words!
He might beat rovanpera, but not ogier.

[focus206]

Ott gonna win tomorrow. Mark my words!

Only if Ogier runs into trouble. Ott will have to fight hard to take 2nd from Kalle.

[EstWRC]

Only if Ogier runs into trouble. Ott will have to fight hard to take 2nd from Kalle.

Hard? He was way faster than Kalle so far

[TypeR]

Hard? He was way faster than Kalle so far
I would say that if it rains tomorrow and roads are slippery, then it is hard to beat Kalle.. he is master with such conditions + Toyota had tests in wet

[fantastic.priit]

Ogier need to drive on limit. In day Ott was quite fast all day. Before the issue Ogier was 6 seconds back. And when everything is holding together. It can be hell of ride tomorrow. Rovanpera is easy. And still 70km to go . Long day tomorrow.

[EstWRC]

Wait, there is rain predicted tomorrow?

[focus206]

Hard? He was way faster than Kalle so far

8 seconds behind and one place worse in road position, I think Ott will indeed be flat out to pass Kalle

[TypeR]

Only Fafe region, but still some possibility
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GrLHt93WcAAKMJ4?format=jpg&name=small

[EstWRC]

Ok if that comes true then Tänak has no chance

[TypeR]

Even if there was an impact.. it sounds like trying to push the ,,blame'' away..


“It’s a broken steering rack and the casing is just split,” Demaison told DirtFish. “A piece of aluminium is missing from the rack.”

Demaison went on to explain that a hydraulic blockage was caused by “an impact on the wheel, that’s for sure.”
+ such detailed description of the problem..

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-identifies-cause-of-tanak-power-steering-failure

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But...

"Despite losing what was increasingly looking to be a likely victory, Demaison indicated he had no regrets over Tänak’s approach of pushing on regardless, suggesting it was essential they take such risks if Hyundai is to catch Toyota in either championship race.

“We are in a position where we have to close the gap, so we need to push and this can happen when you are in this situation,” he said.

["Username"]

Tanak literally said he was comfortable in the car and didn't feel like he was taking any risks. That means he wasn't overdriving the car. How slow you must drive then, to not brake anything? Like serderidis? This is ridiculous.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans:

A frustrating day as I’ve won all of these stages in past years, but today it looked like I’d forgotten how to drive on gravel rallies !

It didn’t feel as slow in the car as what the times suggested, but we definitely need to find out what’s going on. We will have to study the data tonight to find some answers because if I drive tomorrow like I did today there won’t be any extra points !

We’ll work on it, and we won’t give up. Six more stages tomorrow.

[denkimi]

Tanak literally said he was comfortable in the car and didn't feel like he was taking any risks. That means he wasn't overdriving the car. How slow you must drive then, to not brake anything? Like serderidis? This is ridiculous.
Tanak never feels like he is overdriving, yet he breaks a lot of cars while "taking no risks".
But of course, he is driving a Hyundai. If he was driving a toyota, he might have gotten away with it.

There must be a reason why 6 out of 7 champions in the last years were driving a toyota.

["Username"]

Oh, there have been multiple rallies where he has said that he is over the limit, so your point is wrong. The bright example that pops to my mind is his victory in Finland 2022. But still, how slow you must drive a Hyundai in order "not to brake the car"?

[deephouse]

Probably parked in garage. What I don't get why the hell did that thing do so well on Greece stages? That events is so rough on cars. And everywhere else it breaks a lot. I mean really a lot.

[trykmann]

Tanak never feels like he is overdriving, yet he breaks a lot of cars while "taking no risks".
But of course, he is driving a Hyundai. If he was driving a toyota, he might have gotten away with it.

There must be a reason why 6 out of 7 champions in the last years were driving a toyota.

If you want to win, then you have to be faster than anyone else. With higher speed all the components get also higher stress and stronger impacts. If the driver is cutting in the wrong places and breaks the car, then it is the drivers fault. If the car breaks while driving it fast, then I wouldn't blame the driver.

[EstWRC]

And the trend with Tanak continues this year. When it’s super Sunday then he suddenly doesn’t have that speed anymore as previous days. Same story in Sweden and Kenya

[Rallyper]

Wake up call for Ogier. Let´s see what happens...

[Eli]

And the trend with Tanak continues this year. When it’s super Sunday then he suddenly doesn’t have that speed anymore as previous days. Same story in Sweden and Kenya

If Hyundai retire at the end of this year, can we see him & Neuville in the Yaris and see who is best out of all 10(?) Yaris Rally1 Cars?

[EstWRC]

If Hyundai retire at the end of this year, can we see him & Neuville in the Yaris and see who is best out of all 10(?) Yaris Rally1 Cars?

Heh. This will never happen but would be cool

[AndersX]

Heh. This will never happen but would be cool

Why not - lets call it World Toyota Invitational Rally Chanpionship, i.e., where some Ford looka-a-likes from MSport are allowd to participate. Split the GR into 3 private teams, similar to Rally Raid and go on.

[AndersX]

Btw, i am ready to start 2025/26 Silly Season and prognoze that next year Sesks and McErlean will be teammates on full time. I really like what I see by both of them. Safety Culture could have been the first bird of companies that would appreciate the global brand visibility and provide necessary funds.

[EstWRC]

Cmon Ott. That’s more like it

[trykmann]

Thierry is talking alot about cleaning like he is first on the road. Does it really still have this kind of effect considering his starting position?

[EstWRC]

Tänak got past Kalle in Sunday standings.

Rallying is so harsh, he has been the man of the rally but in the end you get a 3rd place

[COD]

I must say I’m impressed by Rossel on gravel, maybe he is becoming a real allround driver?

[rallyfiend]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-faces-his-biggest-physical-struggle-ever-on-a-rally/

Isn't this why they get paid many millions of euros?

[denkimi]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-faces-his-biggest-physical-struggle-ever-on-a-rally/

Isn't this why they get paid many millions of euros?
Ogier isn't even the oldest rc1 driver here, salvi is 55 years old.

[EstWRC]

The fight between kalle and Tänak is getting interesting now

[focus206]

Unless Kalle brings out something for the PS, Tanak can get him, but he has to be perfect

[EstWRC]

Sad to think that this should have been third win this season already for Tänak.

Issues in Sweden when leading, same in Kenya and now here

But bodes well for the rest of the gravel rallies until October. The speed is there

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville made a mistake between 1st and 2nd split..

[Rallyper]

Live timing isn´t working properly...

[linni]

Live timing isn´t working properly...

https://webapps2.wrc.com/2020/web/live/live.html

Workds fine.

[Dontcut]

Please no rain on Fafe

[CeskyOndra]

Please no rain on Fafe

I dont think there will be

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux withdrew, cooling problems apparently but my guess is that they just don’t see a point

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux withdrew, cooling problems apparently but my guess is that they just don’t see a point

Why would they even run yesterday and today and retire before PS? I mean there were some testing going on but one more stage to go doesn't seem like a big task to complete

[meh]

Why would they even run yesterday and today and retire before PS? I mean there were some testing going on but one more stage to go doesn't seem like a big task to complete

I don't remember the details, but I think there are some more updates available to make changes for a retired car.

[EstWRC]

I don't remember the details, but I think there are some more updates available to make changes for a retired car.

They can change the engine now when they retire

[CeskyOndra]

Ah okey guys. Btw the clouds are looking a bit scary

[Rallyper]

https://webapps2.wrc.com/2020/web/live/live.html

Workds fine.

Well, I´m on WRC.com/livetiming, having modern (latest computer, and no problems during the weekend until this afternoon... splits coming and going...

[mknight]

They can change the engine now when they retire

They can retire easily before last TC in service after PS. Like they did with Loeb here in 2019 for example.

Retiring on purpose just before PS makes no sense unless forced to.

[linni]

Well, I´m on WRC.com/livetiming, having modern (latest computer, and no problems during the weekend until this afternoon... splits coming and going...

They are coming. Eventually.

[meh]

It may happen here that Pajari takes the place back from Evans?

after first bad split Evans got the speed up and is faster now than Pajari

[denkimi]

They can retire easily before last TC in service after PS. Like they did with Loeb here in 2019 for example.

Retiring on purpose just before PS makes no sense unless forced to.

retiring means no point anyway, so why bother?

[CeskyOndra]

Stop talking about the rain it wont come in 10 minutes bro..

[meh]

It is crazy how much everyone push, really intense and enjoyable to watch

[Rallyper]

God job from Tanak. Unlucky, he didn´t win.

[EstWRC]

Last year the gap was 7.9 and this year 8.7 between Ogier and Tänak

[trykmann]

It was good to see the raw speed from Tänak again. Also when Toyota isn't a lot better than Hyundai performance wise, then Kalle isn't super human anymore.

[Eli]

Should’ve known Ogier would take it, shame on the pickems, congrats for his 7th win, most impressive. Hopefully the Hyundai won’t fall to pieces next time out in Sardegna.

[EstWRC]

It was good to see the raw speed from Tänak again.

Yep, won half of the stages, 12. And was good to hear him saying the balance is good with the new chassis

But for me still a hard pill to swallow that he didn’t win

[denkimi]

Anyone has the standings now?

[meh]

Anyone has the standings now?


pos pnt driver
1. 118 Evans
2. 88 Rovanperä
3. 86 Ogier
4. 84 Tänak
5. 78 Neuville

[becher]

Anyone has the standings now?
+1
Also for WRC2?

[CeskyOndra]

Widely opeeen championship. Sardegna and Greece coming (Evans should struggle) and then Tanak's home rally and Rovanpera's favourite one. Also Hyundai is strong in Sardegna and Greece.

[trykmann]

Widely opeeen championship. Sardegna and Greece coming (Evans should struggle) and then Tanak's home rally and Rovanpera's favourite one. Also Hyundai is strong in Sardegna and Greece.

Lets hope the updated Hyundai is also competitive in Estonia and Finland. Then we have a very interesting season ahead.

[meh]

+1
Also for WRC2?

https://www.wrc.com/en/events/wrc-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2025/wrc-rally-portugal-2025-results?page=results&tab=standings

1. 67 Rossel
2. 60 Solberg
3. 40 Greensmith
4. 29 Korhonen
5. 27 Solans

[focus206]

Widely opeeen championship. Sardegna and Greece coming (Evans should struggle) and then Tanak's home rally and Rovanpera's favourite one. Also Hyundai is strong in Sardegna and Greece.

Hyundai has to improve reliability and speed on tarmac or the championship will be open only for Evans and Kalle

Stellar job by Tanak, would have deserved the win but this is motorsport. As expected, Ogier is not as fast as he used to be, but he wasn't going to blow such a lead on Sunday.
Kalle did what he should, bring it home and take points from Evans.
Evans not impressive but also the road position was against him, in the end it's not reasonable to expect a much better result with so few retirements.
Thierry still misses some speed and confidence with this hybridless + Hankook car... he is fast only on certain stages.

[Morte66]

Not my kind of rally, I only watched a couple of hours in the end. But Hyundai's car looked better, so it may be a fun summer for gravel fans. And it was nice/scary to see Tanak on form.

See you guys for the Barum, maybe. o/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Portugal itinerary criticism forces re-think...

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rally-portugal-criticism-causes-wrc-fia-to-address-event-schedules/10724341/

And Ogier says it was most demanding of his career !

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/ogier-rally-portugal-among-most-physically-demanding-of-wrc-career/10724214/

[WRCStan]

Moving some stages to the Thursday should be an acceptable compromise.

[pedro16]

Moving some stages to the Thursday should be an acceptable compromise.

It's hard when there are contracts in place and money involved, and it will most likely not happen, but...
Change the cerimonial start. Scrap the SSS. Bring the 2 new stages from this year to Thursday. Closer to Porto and the liaison distance to Mortágua on Friday morning would actually be reduced. Keep the Friday remote service. It would still be a long day, but much more bearable.

Saturday could be a much shorter day with remote service, but then what would be the point of those mega structures and a central service park?
That's a dillema that all the parties involved have to solve.

Sunday could be a lot shorter if Paredes only ran once. The crews needed to go almost halfway back to run the 2nd pass. There are options around Fafe to do another stage if that's needed.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk7uw4PL9JM

[denkimi]

Moving some stages to the Thursday should be an acceptable compromise.
The stages are not the issue, the huge distance between them is. They didn't do more km's of SS here, just more road sections. Move the stages closer together and everything is solved.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I have to agree what Ogier said regarding people not watching at 7am and even earlier. None but a few fanatics will be wanting or able to be sitting down and viewing sport at this time of day. Surely there's no need to start so early if theres hardly any viewers.

[AndyRAC]

The stages are not the issue, the huge distance between them is. They didn't do more km's of SS here, just more road sections. Move the stages closer together and everything is solved.

And that's because of the central service park....If events were allowed more freedom then you could have another service park elsewhere - even an overnight halt elsewhere. But, the current WRC can't begin to allow that.......

[Franky]

I have to agree what Ogier said regarding people not watching at 7am and even earlier. None but a few fanatics will be wanting or able to be sitting down and viewing sport at this time of day. Surely there's no need to start so early if theres hardly any viewers.

Are you talking about people by the roadside or behind the screens?

[WRCStan]

I have to agree what Ogier said regarding people not watching at 7am and even earlier. None but a few fanatics will be wanting or able to be sitting down and viewing sport at this time of day. Surely there's no need to start so early if theres hardly any viewers.

I wonder what the thoughts of 80~ crews who weren't screened at all are, those guys who chose to be there. I like old man Seb, and I'm sure Ott has a valid point behind his "treated like animals" outburst; but plenty of other people don't seem to mind at all.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Are you talking about people by the roadside or behind the screens?

TV / online where the vast majority of fans watch the events.

Plus the Sundays often start especially early and I'm sure most people dont want to get up super-early to watch then. Four stages from 9am - 12pm would be better.

[Franky]

TV / online where the vast majority of fans watch the events.

Plus the Sundays often start especially early and I'm sure most people dont want to get up super-early to watch then. Four stages from 9am - 12pm would be better.

I don't know, that 6:43am start time is 8:43am in Estonia. Like no issues. The thing with TV/online audience is that they are everywhere and you can't base a claim on one time zone only. I'm sure there are plenty of people who dislike being awake all night to follow some rally on the other side of the globe.

And when it comes to spectating, I am sure there are plenty of us who've started driving in the middle of the night to get to some morning stage.

[EstWRC]

Tänak not sounding too confident and happy to Estonian media after the rally

Says that over a long time he really enjoyed driving the car but the car is still fragile and the setup window is too small. He hit the setup this time since Saturday morning but says it doesn’t mean it will click also on the next rounds.

[focus206]

Says that over a long time he really enjoyed driving the car but the car is still fragile and the setup window is too small. He hit the setup this time since Saturday morning but says it doesn’t mean it will click also on the next rounds.

So... difficult to setup and too fragile. Sounds like the i20 in a nutshell.

[EstWRC]

So... difficult to setup and too fragile. Sounds like the i20 in a nutshell.

As far as my memory goes then the idea with the 2025 machine was to expand the setup window. With the 2022-2024 car it has always been very narrow.

But this could be also only Tänaks problem although Thierry now said after Portugal that he will try Ott’s setup cause he was struggling with the loose rear