[WRC] Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2026

[Andre Oliveira]

RG1 published

Shakedown on wednesday afternoon and 3 stages on thursday.

https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/ResourcesUser/Documentos/2026/Rally-Guide1-VRP2026-PT.pdf

[Steve Boyd]

RG1 published

Shakedown on wednesday afternoon and 3 stages on thursday.

https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/ResourcesUser/Documentos/2026/Rally-Guide1-VRP2026-PT.pdf
English language version (for those who read English but not Portuguese) here:

https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/ResourcesUser/Documentos/2026/Rally-Guide1-VRP2026-GB.pdf

[Doon]

Does anyone know where the usual post rally party area of Porto is?

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/635715539_26671658159103592_3744340636656736465_n. jpg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=nmgooF4fWr0Q7kNvwF6yIMG&_nc_oc=Adky3bCYo3XOcj9hQA7nBgVKD91__4i9zW_bwfm7rlg rK-QUT2e9J4uRBWaHBUhlmQnQoTcRih_s63ATJ4rgGXOL&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-1.fna&_nc_gid=NhmRGO_RsenWjkWpFZsirA&oh=00_Afuscyk5kN--16l3i3vDj0Mty1r5i1zg8Qx0jhd5DnGoFQ&oe=6997FC18

[Eli]

Hey I'm making my first ever trip to Rally de Portugal and I was wondering when and where can I get tickets for the rally? And also if you have any recommendations as to where to stay and anything else you can think of that might be useful. Thanks in Advance!

[WRCStan]

Hey I'm making my first ever trip to Rally de Portugal and I was wondering when and where can I get tickets for the rally? And also if you have any recommendations as to where to stay and anything else you can think of that might be useful. Thanks in Advance!

Hi Eli, send me some money and I'll draw you a ticket on Microsoft Paint 😉

Else, enjoy it for free.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HF9U29xXcAAZiR3?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HF9U29rX0AAVnQe?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HF9U2-SaAAAUVp3?format=jpg&name=large

[ZoomanSP206]

Hi all, I will be going to Rally Portugal for the first time this year. I found some spectator maps from last year that detailed spectator points and access roads. Does anyone know whether and when such maps might be published again this year?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yes, I can help but also check Planete Marcus.

[Eli]

Does anyone have any tips regarding the rally as it will be my first time visiting? and is the weather usually unpredictable at this time of year?

[pedro16]

Hi all, I will be going to Rally Portugal for the first time this year. I found some spectator maps from last year that detailed spectator points and access roads. Does anyone know whether and when such maps might be published again this year?

Spectator points are usually available 2 weeks before the rally. Except for the new stage, the spectator points should not have many changes. Happy to help if you need anything.

[pedro16]

Does anyone have any tips regarding the rally as it will be my first time visiting? and is the weather usually unpredictable at this time of year?

Morning fog and afternoon thunderstorms can happen at this time of the year. Over the past decade of the rally in this area there have been some afternoon showers, but nothing major. A wet rally is still possible though. Hope not.

It's still early to have an idea on how the weather will be, but when needed, you can check the weather forecasts here https://www.ipma.pt/en/otempo/prev.localidade.hora/

[ZoomanSP206]

Yes, I can help but also check Planete Marcus.


Spectator points are usually available 2 weeks before the rally. Except for the new stage, the spectator points should not have many changes. Happy to help if you need anything.

Thank you both! I checked the info on Planetemarcus and on rally-maps. I will wait a bit longer for the detailed spectator maps then.

How is parking at the stages usually organized? On last year's maps, there wasn't much information; is it in general at the side of the roads along the spectator access roads?

I don't plan to buy a rally pass, but I was thinking of spectating on Paredes. I saw that a rally pass is being sold for Paredes; is that just for the rallycross section at the end, or for the whole stage?

I also plan to go the famous jump at the end of Fafe (certainly a rally bucket list location). How long before the start of the stage would you recommend to arrive there, to get a somewhat decent parking and spectating spot? I am happy to arrive early, but I would prefer not to arrive way earlier than necessary.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Fafe... get there around 2-3 hours before... as media we do as well but unfortunately don't think we will do the first run, only the second as in the morning there is another famous stage!

Fafe, try and park close to the finish line main road if you see it on the map and walk.

[WRCStan]

The main asphalt road to Fafe jump should be 'closed' for miles from the junction where it starts, only open for access to/parking for the stage. Thousands will be at the stage, many the night before, with many side/access roads being filled with vans, campers, 4x4s and cars. It was 9 years ago but I was ~2.5 hours early for the first pass, walked 3/4 miles to the stage IIRC. Got parked on a side road by some of plenty of police around keeping order. So the earlier you get there the better spot and fewer miles to walk, but don't be put off if you want to be later and walk more as there is plenty parking, fairly flat and safe walk, and good atmosphere for whenever you get there. Just don't go if you want a perfect spot/view.. ie for photography.

A Saturday stage I went to I got lost and found by accident by following another car I stopped to ask, down lots of gravel lanes at 15mph to avoid wrecking the car. No police or signs as not a marked spectator zone but had plenty of local people there. Prepare some maps to refer to! Parked side of the road 100m from the stage and could stand where I wanted and see for miles. Don't ignorantly park blocking anybody and everybody's happy.

On tickets: apologies to Eli, I didn't realise they introduced so many tickets. If you want these stages read up: https://loja.acp.pt/category/99-bilhetes-2026.aspx

Parades/Shakedown - not certain if it's all stage but I imagine it's just the karting arena. Not going to break the bank though? Pay at the gate if needed.
SS1 Sever do Vouga - looks to be only the final 100m in the private arena, i.e you may get a seat and facilities. Again, rest of the stage I imagine is free/open access. Wouldn't get a ticket. Pay if forced.
SSS3 Figueira da Foz - tickets for seating.
Lousada SSS - has always been ticketed.

Rally passes look to be only for exclusive areas/facilities and not entry/parking for the stages. Almost makes sense if you don't want to hire a car and are staying near the service park.

[ZoomanSP206]

Thank you both! That helps with the planning. Looking forward to the rally!

[ZoomanSP206]

In case anyone else is looking for them, the detailed spectator guides are available now here:

https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/content.aspx?menuid=5553

[Dimitris]

My Route Preview for Rally de Portugal. Quite a few stages, for what is likely to be the last edition of the rally before the relocation to Viseu.

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2026/rally-portugal-2026-route-preview

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wet weather forecast for the rally, especially on Saturday.

[Rallyper]

Rumours says no stream from todays SD in Portugal...

[PLuto]

Rumours says no stream from todays SD in Portugal...

Why? They didnt found that shakedown is on Wednesday, so they are not ready? :)

[Rallyper]

Why? They didnt found that shakedown is on Wednesday, so they are not ready? :)

Seems to be just so. Sadly. Let´s see. Still a unconfirmed rumour.

[EstWRC]

Great way to promote the sport

[PLuto]

Promotion of rallysport during last years is one of the biggest issues and reasons why this sport is where it is...

[PLuto]

As there is no youtube live video set and when I look into the programme of Rally.tv, there is really no coverage of today shakedown. What a shame, first time in this season when I have time to be at computer and watch it...

[Rallyper]

Well, it´s a BIG shame. They just ignore the whole basis of rally fans.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just the SD Times then...

https://ewrc-results.com/event/96260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2026/shakedown

[TypeR]

They are just learning and doing the best they can :D

Unbelieable :D

[Rallyper]

They started show SD a couple of years ago. Then they have to continue that. Not being inconsistent. They´re showing grave incompetence.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Someone reports that WRC has said it won't broadcast the shakedown due to a lack of cameras.

But on the plus side:
1. The fan videos will be better than SD onboards

2. On Thursday we can watch some proper stages

[PLuto]

First video from shakedown - https://x.com/i/status/2052039541368787308

[skarderud]

Neuville "won" the shakedown?
Thats surpricing, maybe a weekend without the toyota-cup?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[PLuto]

Neuville "won" the shakedown?
Thats surpricing, maybe a weekend without the toyota-cup?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

It is pointless to take into account results of this shakedown. Maybe you can look at first runs, but with changning the conditions and cleaner roads...

[PLuto]

Neuville "won" the shakedown?
Thats surpricing, maybe a weekend without the toyota-cup?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

It is pointless to take into account results of this shakedown. Maybe you can look at first runs, but with changning the conditions and cleaner roads...

[focus206]

If friday will be wet, then Hyundais won't even have road cleaning advantage... we have to see how the conditions will be. A good chance for Evans.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fan SD vids

https://youtu.be/xEcAQEJ1GT0?si=OHQHi-x6584Sk9QS

https://youtu.be/djkN0a_jR5k?si=fp6Rn1rh9OziDATq

[WRCStan]

It is pointless to take into account results of this shakedown

any shakedown

[skarderud]

It is pointless to take into account results of this shakedown. Maybe you can look at first runs, but with changning the conditions and cleaner roads...Was more like, maybe hyundai is not that lost in this one. Hopefully its not 5 toyotas in top 5.
I hope sesks also do a decent run.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux will be quick there

["Username"]

Well, looks like someone noticed that three stages were run today and the forum is back online. Yey!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tyre choices for tomorrow. Who will have chosen right ?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHvQ7dFW0AESO_e?format=jpg&name=small

[PLuto]

Well, looks like someone noticed that three stages were run today and the forum is back online. Yey!

Issues in last weeks were due to the problems with space on server. Few days ago it was moved to different part of HDD. Today "blackout" was caused by issue connected with this movement, but should be ok now...

[Rallyper]

Happy this forum is up and running today. Wasn´t much yesterday...

Let´s go!!

[EstWRC]

Imo it’s unfair it’s the same starting order again today.

I mean we had quite a proper day yesterday already

[denkimi]

Imo it’s unfair it’s the same starting order again today.

I mean we had quite a proper day yesterday already
25km's is not a proper day.

[wwbroe]

Not so good time for Oliver, loosing 9.8 to Pajari

[jonkka]

25km's is not a proper day.

37,25km but I do agree, it's a borderline case.

[EstWRC]

25km's is not a proper day.

Get your facts right first.

It was 37.25

[TypeR]

Pretty fair tho.. there are only 96km of stages today.

Solberg lost 10seconds, hopefully won't push over the limit on next ones

[denkimi]

Get your facts right first.

It was 37.25
The point still stands, not a proper day.

But it seems start position doesn't matter that much at the moment.

[1988senna]

Can anyone explain why Evans didn't be slow when sweeping road and the driver start later don't have the advantage ? Is that because Evans too fast or the gravel more wet than usual

[EstWRC]

Not sure if Hyundai has made a step with the new upgrades or not but seems actually they have

Why I’m not sure cause the Toyota guys are kinda struggling at the moment with feeling and tires and have worst starting position compared to Hyundai guys.

I guess we will be smarter once they have service and they can make setup changes.

[jonkka]

Rules are clear, Friday starting order is always on championship order. Organisers do not have leeway.

[wwbroe]

Top 6 all in 7sec, that's how it should be

[wwbroe]

Nice battle in Rally 2, top 8 within 14 sec

[Rallyper]

Can anyone explain why Evans didn't be slow when sweeping road and the driver start later don't have the advantage ? Is that because Evans too fast or the gravel more wet than usual

More wet gravel I guess. And tyrechoice as well.

[deephouse]

Rules are clear, Friday starting order is always on championship order. Organisers do not have leeway.

Yeah right, except when it's not. Especially on Monte

[Jewy46]

Good to see the Hyundai's fighting at the front. Hopefully it keeps going this way!

I know they are a little further back but it's a great battle between the Ford's, very tight.
They are playing the long game with the tyres, would be great to see it pay off.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great to have the forum back again and reading you guys comments and insights is always interesting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems a bit more cleaning on SS6. Fourmaux coming quicker.

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux is driving well

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What's the team strategy he's talking about. Tyres ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like a stage win for Neuville. The Hyundai is definitely better on gravel.

[wwbroe]

Very close battle at the top, we will see in the afternoon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice run by Armstrong.

[flat_right]

The pace difference of Hyundai on tarmac (Canaries) vs gravel amuses me. How on earth are they so behind? On gravel they can compete with Toyota's but on the hard surface they are so behind. Is it just that they haven't had time to properly set up the car? Last year Tänak said that the changes that they made are good and the base is solid but now they have to fine-tune it.

[EstWRC]

I would wait until the end of the rally.

Even if they have a made step now, Toyota will soon answer with their upgrades

[jcevc]

Or the speed of H`s will go away as soon as conditions will change - probably in the second loop today - hope not but it happens already numerous times.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The pace difference of Hyundai on tarmac (Canaries) vs gravel amuses me. How on earth are they so behind? On gravel they can compete with Toyota's but on the hard surface they are so behind. Is it just that they haven't had time to properly set up the car? Last year Tänak said that the changes that they made are good and the base is solid but now they have to fine-tune it.

They finally sorted the car for fast gravel after moving their test base to Finland. Now they moved to Southern France to sort it for rough slow gravel.

I think they've given up on tarmac as there arent so many events and Toyota are super-strong.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Even if they have a made step now, Toyota will soon answer with their upgrades

Toyota seem to accept that some competition is good for the WRC and will concentrate their development on the new WRC27 Car.

[trykmann]

They finally sorted the car for fast gravel after moving their test base to Finland. Now they moved to Southern France to sort it for rough slow gravel.

I think they've given up on tarmac as there arent so many events and Toyota are super-strong.

The most confusing thing is the decline in their tarmac performance. 2017 car was good on tarmac and also the pre-evo version of the rally1 was fast. I don't understand how is it possible for such a large team not to understand what is wrong with the car. Maybe the removal of the hybrid unit affects them more thank we think.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Trouble for M-Sports... :(

[jonkka]

I seem to recall reading that Hyundai team knows what the fundamental problems are but homologation rules (eg. number and scope of jokers) does not allow them to rectify everything.

[CeskyOndra]

What a joke.. Hadn't even show Evans's interview , we know why

[meh]

If one can drive without powersteering, it is Arm-strong.

[B group]

Stage stopped..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans meets a tow truck and Solberg said;

"There was a police officer standing in the middle of the road. I was flat out in sixth gear when this lady was there in front of me. She jumped out of the way at the very last moment. This has happened many times in this rally,"

[jonkka]

Solberg at it again.

[meh]

How many lucky escapes has Solberg had this year?

And Fourmaux seems to follow the lines from Solberg

[jonkka]

Fourmaux imitates Oliver.

[trykmann]

Goddammit. How is it possible that Solberg gets again a lucky escape?

[CeskyOndra]

Fourmaux not that lucky..

[EstWRC]

How many lucky escapes has Solberg had this year?

And Fourmaux seems to follow the lines from Solberg

It will go like this until the end of the year. Oliver misses the experience with this car on different rallies, simple as that and seems to be he has put enourmous expectation to himself

About Fourmaux, he has hit his ceiling and tries to drive over it often but cant.

[flat_right]

Goddammit. How is it possible that Solberg gets again a lucky escape?

Estonian commentator said that Solberg had one broken tire and rear wheel was not straight. Not official news but that's what he said.

[jonkka]

Sesks is coming quite fast on this one.

[flat_right]

Estonian commentator said that Solberg had one broken tire and rear wheel was not straight. Not official news but that's what he said.

was fake news

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Goddammit. How is it possible that Solberg gets again a lucky escape?

Kind of glad he didnt roll. I dont know he'd have got over it after the previous crashes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job by Fourmaux with no spare tyres.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not such a mistake by Fourmaux: "I lost the brakes, we went wide and had the double puncture on previous stage".

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans and the tow truck:

https://x.com/i/status/2052745161721917453

Solberg & Fourmaux off's...

https://x.com/i/status/2052740588584214994

And Sordo lucky here...

https://x.com/i/status/2052753420646227991

[becher]

The tow truck on a live stage is crazy.

[speederbee]

Evans and the tow truck:

https://x.com/i/status/2052745161721917453

Solberg & Fourmaux off's...

https://x.com/i/status/2052740588584214994

And Sordo lucky here...

https://x.com/i/status/2052753420646227991

Good videos, shows that these cars can take big hits and usually keep going.

Anyone know how Pajari broke the windscreen?

Also, how did that tow truck get there, wouldn't the 0 car have recently gone through? Will Evans get a bit of time given back by the stewards?

[Eli]

Btw some news regarding the rally, they plan to move it east from Porto next year…all I’ll say is the organisation and the fact this service park is dead by 20:35 and having a schedule so tight I only got to watch one stage in the morning and even that was just for the final three Rally1 cars cause parking was a mess….I won’t miss it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good videos, shows that these cars can take big hits and usually keep going.

Anyone know how Pajari broke the windscreen?

Also, how did that tow truck get there, wouldn't the 0 car have recently gone through? Will Evans get a bit of time given back by the stewards?

Pajari scooped up a stone onto the windscreen. The stage was full of them.

The tow truck must've nipped onto the stage after the 0 Car. Very naughty.

[deephouse]

I wonder what fines do those people actually get. Or even more importantly, were they official stuff from rally organizers?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ughhhh.. what a sh!t show even being here for the rally!!

[TypeR]

Special day today! There is a massive 33min service between loops..

[htr]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l79CLRj8O0I

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So what happened to the rain ?

[jonkka]

It's drizzling for Ogier.

[WRCStan]

Ughhhh.. what a sh!t show even being here for the rally!!

Why?

(Only just sitting down to this rally)

[trykmann]

Lets hope Oliver can keep it on the road with this speed.

[WRCStan]

Solberg - good or reckless? Smashes the time but still arrives with damage.

[WRCStan]

Ogier humbled.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

There you go... the rain finally arrived and the rally turns on its head !

[WRCStan]

This is why a world championship needs weather. Not Monte, Sweden + 12 rounds of sun with the threat of showers.

[jonkka]

Roll on, roll off, Armstrong... la-la-laaa...

[Ferranis]

Seemed like to fast into the corner leading to hitting the wall.

Unlucky that it rolled the car though.

Looked like a crash in Dirt Rally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame after a 3rd fastest time. Cruel sport.

[EstWRC]

Yea yeah, it’s sports fault being cruel not the drivers fault lacking the talent

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HH4g4A7W0AIy6fI?format=jpg&name=small

[Fast Eddie WRC]

“I really enjoyed the first pass of the stage, so I was trying to keep a good rhythm and see what we could do on the second pass,” Armstrong told DirtFish, “but maybe slightly underestimated the grip levels from basically the weather change, but also the slower cars that have gone through, the tracks are a bit loose.

“So when we came through this left into right over a small crest, just the rear stepped out quite quickly and then touched the bank and put the car into a roll on the road. So yeah, really frustrated to obviously go out like this. And yeah, it’s pretty tricky in these conditions, but hadn’t really done a proper afternoon loop in the rally yet.

“So yeah, we just got caught out basically, not really expecting that level of low grip.”

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HH4YcTAWMAc-Wen?format=jpg&name=small

[jonkka]

Front right puncture for Solberg and drops behind Evans...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is why a world championship needs weather. Not Monte, Sweden + 12 rounds of sun with the threat of showers.

Torrential rain now :bounce:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier showing his pace. Maybe better conditions later on the road.

[jonkka]

Nice mudbath at Lousada...

[EstWRC]

What happened with Fourmaux the second half of the day?

Very slow times

I didn’t follow

[spyros]

In such a famous rally like the Portugal Rally, we only have 12 pages of comments, even though interest used to be much higher in the past.

[Jarek Z]

In such a famous rally like the Portugal Rally, we only have 12 pages of comments, even though interest used to be much higher in the past.

People lost interest in sharing emotions with the other rally fans :(

[Ferranis]

People lost interest in sharing emotions with the other rally fans :(

I don't necessarily think this is the case. Can't really describe it, but there is something fundamentally missing from Rally that was there a decade ago. Maybe its the cars, the shallow competition, the stale broadcast. Would classify myself as a hardcare fan and its hard for me to get really exited now. Often times I rather play Assetto Corsa Rally then watch Rally and get the Rally exitement there

[Jarek Z]

Maybe its the cars, the shallow competition, the stale broadcast.

The cars are uglier, that's true. I think I agree with all those 3 factors.

[Eli]

In such a famous rally like the Portugal Rally, we only have 12 pages of comments, even though interest used to be much higher in the past.

Mmmmm some people are out in the stages ehm ehm! or at least trying to get to them in time, the schedule is a complete mess so, sorry for not having time to post, tomorrow at this hour should be cooler.

[Mk2 RS2000]

In such a famous rally like the Portugal Rally, we only have 12 pages of comments, even though interest used to be much higher in the past.

Perhaps if the drivers had a personality adjustment they would be more interesting to follow

[240RS]

Perhaps if the drivers had a personality adjustment they would be more interesting to follow

For me, the drivers speak through their driving. I still find rallying intriguing and spectacular.

Lately, Toyota's dominance has taken away something but overall the sport offers moments many others don't, or can't. Packaging, hyping and relaying some of the finer bits is still very much a work in progress, if it is progressing at all. I can only hope we don't dilute and lose it all in the next cycle.

For what its worth, the few days/hours when the forum was down were very frustrating. This forum is a must-visit on the week of the rally.

[WRCStan]

Perhaps if the drivers had a personality adjustment they would be more interesting to follow

Who is a good example personality, maybe from another sport? Not sure what people mean saying this.

[spyros]

Last year I attended the Acropolis Rally, and something really stood out to me. There was a group of young fans standing next to me, and they barely knew any drivers apart from Sébastien Ogier — mainly because they had watched a Netflix documentary about him. They also couldn’t recognize most of the cars, let alone know anything about their technical characteristics or differences. They were basically complete newcomers to the sport.

I think this says a lot about the current state of rally popularity. The sport is struggling to create deeper engagement and knowledge among younger audiences, compared to previous generations where fans knew the drivers, teams, and technical side of the cars in great detail.

[jonkka]

You judge the whole younger generation of fans based on just one group you saw? That's quite a generalisation. We all started not knowing anything until we learned, you know.

[EstWRC]

So good to see Suninen back and showing he has still got it

[macebig]

He's right on the cars being instantly recognizable. Group A and early WRC era had that. You knew the Escorts, the Celicas, the Imprezas, the Octavias cause they were nearly identical to road cars you saw everyday. Now, the Yaris looks nothing like a road one as does the i20 and only the Puma comes close to resembling the road going one.

[Ferranis]

You judge the whole younger generation of fans based on just one group you saw? That's quite a generalisation. We all started not knowing anything until we learned, you know.

I do wonder though, how new fans currently come into the sport. Since you pretty early hit the wall known as RallyTV subscription, which is now pretty darn expensive for what it brings to the table.

For me it was Dirt Rally 1 and then the at the time new WRC+, which cost only a fraction as of now

[Morte66]

Well, I remember Fafe being quite pretty and I'm a bit burnt out on Baldur's Gate 3 this morning, so maybe I'll watch my first gravel stages of the year today. :)

[Morte66]

Well, I remember Fafe being quite pretty and I'm a bit burnt out on Baldur's Gate 3 this morning, so maybe I'll watch my first gravel stages of the year today. :)

Ah, it's beautiful in the rain.

[jonkka]

Well, pirate streams exist and unlike snooker where WST hunts those down aggressively, Rally.tv is easily available for free. Back in the day when I started following the only access was daily after-the fact recap on TV which was pretty good but so very late after everything was already done and dusted for the day.

[denkimi]

Last year I attended the Acropolis Rally, and something really stood out to me. There was a group of young fans standing next to me, and they barely knew any drivers apart from Sébastien Ogier — mainly because they had watched a Netflix documentary about him. They also couldn’t recognize most of the cars, let alone know anything about their technical characteristics or differences. They were basically complete newcomers to the sport.

I think this says a lot about the current state of rally popularity. The sport is struggling to create deeper engagement and knowledge among younger audiences, compared to previous generations where fans knew the drivers, teams, and technical side of the cars in great detail.
On every rally there are real hardcore fans, and a lot more temporary fans who just visit because it's close to where they live.

On every rally you see lots of people who have no idea what's going on, they are just there for the show. For a day out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

First ever stage win for McErlean. A nice boost for him and the Team.

[Ferranis]

Crazy stage too, Fafe in rain and mud is quite something

[Rallyper]

Why talk about RallyTV and the price of it? You always have to pay for smth. Also football channels, whom are change constantly from year to year, and becoming 50% more expensive a month every time.

If you love rallying and want the action I see RallyTV as the perfect way to watch. ANd gladly pay for it and not cheating.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I see a lot of posts on the WRC YouTube coverage of Shakedown (when it's on;) ).

Many new fans ask is the rally itself on there and are surprised when they're told it's only on Rally tv and they must pay.

[Rallyper]

I see a lot of posts on the WRC YouTube coverage of Shakedown (when it's on;) ).

Many new fans ask is the rally itself on there and are surprised when they're told it's only on Rally tv and they must pay.

When a man grow up he must learn that not all is free. Sometimes you need to pay for things in life.

[Ferranis]

Why talk about RallyTV and the price of it? You always have to pay for smth. Also football channels, whom are change constantly from year to year, and becoming 50% more expensive a month every time.

If you love rallying and want the action I see RallyTV as the perfect way to watch. ANd gladly pay for it and not cheating.

It's about what you get for the money though

RallyTV a year is 119.99€, Netflix is 168€.

I wager only a few harcore fans are willing to pay 2/3 of a Netflix subscription for watching a single sport, especially when the quality of the service is a bit wonky

[meh]

Whoa! Virves 8.8 faster than McErlean on SS21. I guess stage win it is.

... sorry for McErlean, he was able to celebrate it too early.

[Ferranis]

First ever stage win for McErlean. A nice boost for him and the Team.

A WRC2 car was faster due to better conditions :( Stage win sadly gone

[meh]

A WRC2 car was faster due to better conditions :( Stage win sadly gone

To be fair, McErlean also first got the stage win due to the better conditions. No?

[denkimi]

It's about what you get for the money though

RallyTV a year is 119.99€, Netflix is 168€.

I wager only a few harcore fans are willing to pay 2/3 of a Netflix subscription for watching a single sport, especially when the quality of the service is a bit wonky

just for info:
at the moment wrc10 is 6€ at epic games, and it includes 3 months of wrc+.

https://store.epicgames.com/p/wrc-10--deluxe-edition

[Fast Eddie WRC]

When a man grow up he must learn that not all is free. Sometimes you need to pay for things in life.

By the time these kids have grown up their passion will be taken by other sports that they watched.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair, McErlean also first got the stage win due to the better conditions. No?

And now he's getting the opposite effect.

[denkimi]

That's suprising. ogier and hankook are not a good combination.

[meh]

This rally seems to be pure lottery at the moment. Interesting to watch if you don't have own guys in high positions, but quite suck as a competitor or a fan of some of the top guys.

Ogier and Pajari changed a wheel, the weather is mixing things up.

[TypeR]

Pretty much game over for wdc for Ogier now

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing... Neuville has the lead again going into the final stage. Imagine the pressure not to blow it again.

[denkimi]

Pretty much game over for wdc for Ogier now
probably. especially is he doesn't do all the other rallies.

now we'll have to wait and see if neuville fucks up again.

[deephouse]

Not necessary. You see, Hankooks are pretty much terrible everywhere, there is so much lottery becoming prctically everywhere, not just last year on Saudi, when we all think there is too much roughness there. It's quite obvious it's the tires who suck. Funny thing is that no one complain about them, almost looks like someone told them they can't shit on that brand. Pirellis weren't good, but was way better than this joke. The best showcase is Ogier, as he was always good at managing his tires, and he struggle a lot with them these days.

[Rallyper]

By the time these kids have grown up their passion will be taken by other sports that they watched.

So be it. Know what you mean. However a passion doesn´t leave you that easy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So be it. Know what you mean. However a passion doesn´t leave you that easy.

As they've put Rally.tv on Pluto TV, they should promote this more as a free way to watch more WRC including some live stages.

[Rallyper]

As they've put Rally.tv on Pluto TV, they should promote this more as a free way to watch more WRC including some live stages.

Or pay those 120 Euros and just enjoy, knowing you get the whole experience.

[meh]

Stage end interview with Virves when he won the stage https://x.com/OfficialWRC/status/2053414488561336603

.. and after that, on the next one, he was 25 seconds faster than the next RC2 car. Road situation may help, but after Friday, he has something to prove as well.

[WRCStan]

I've recently got into a league of a different sport that I wouldn't have gone near had it been difficult to access. Every game is free to watch on YT, provided by one of the big pay-for broadcasters, so I know they're trying to blitzscale it, it's not sustainable and there will be a point that they switch to pay access. But now I know the rules, players, teams, form etc... I might just pay it. So it could work for WRC. However, there's no indication that there is a pressing need to 'grow the WRC' from within. It's always a fans' conversation. It's never going to be mainstream, is it?

And when 30/40/50 year old men who have been rally fans for decades start whinging about how it should be free... I dunno... I just feel sorry for them. They're an embarrassment to the sport and probably why the cool kids don't want to be associated with it.

[becher]

Did he just say "Puta mierda"?

[meh]

Watching Ogier's push on PS, I need to admit that for the entertainment and the show on the PowerStage there is a need for 2 retired champs - Rovanperä and Tänak.

[EstWRC]

Watching Ogier's push on PS, I need to admit that for the entertainment and the show on the PowerStage there is a need for 2 retired champs - Rovanperä and Tänak.

There is need for them anyway in competitive cars for the series and also championship

[meh]

"holy shit" and "fuck up" from Taka stage end interview... some side-effect from phone calls with Tänak? :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg safely to the end. He needed that big time.

[meh]

Congrats to Hyundai!

And quite a respect for Neuville as well. I guess there was some pressure from a PS mistake from the last rally, but he delivered it well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chapeau to Neuville for pressing on through the PS with no fear.

[EstWRC]

Wow. Hyundai winning a rally this season

Didn’t see this coming

[meh]

Solberg did a jump-start on the podium

(started to celebrate with champagne too early)

[Gonek]

What Hyundai actually changed that they were so competitive this weekend? In service park I heard something about engine upgrade. Have you heard some details?

[meh]

What Hyundai actually changed that they were so competitive this weekend? In service park I heard something about engine upgrade. Have you heard some details?

I don't think they changed anything fundamentally to be good on gravel, they just have a fundamental problem with the car being good on tarmac. The head of Hyundai pointed out many times that Japan will be difficult again and they hope to be better after that.

[denkimi]

finally a win for hyundai, and not even just because all toyota's crashed out.

[denkimi]

I don't think they changed anything fundamentally to be good on gravel, they just have a fundamental problem with the car being good on tarmac. The head of Hyundai pointed out many times that Japan will be difficult again and they hope to be better after that.

I hadn't even noticed the date for japan was moved and we end the year with 7 gravel rallies in a row. It will be difficult for evans to keep the lead.

[focus206]

Good job by Neuville, this time he didn't put a wheel wrong for the whole weekend. And this time also the pace was good, too bad it's a rare occurance that he finds decent balance with this i20.

Solberg can be happy with 2nd, after off, punctures and spin. Expected a bit more pace from Evans on the slippery, but he finished ahead of Ogier, that's what matters for the championship.

[doubled1978]

Good rally, very enjoyable.
Tough for Ogier, he deserved it, but I suspect he will win a few in the summer starting further back. I have nothing against him, but I don’t want him to win the championship again not doing the full season as it makes a mockery of it.
Neuville, redemption for Croatia. Solid performance.
Solberg, a bit up and down…probably had to fight the urge to drive flat out after the last two rallies. Lucky with the off on day 2.
Evans. Decent run from first on the road.
Fourmaux. Pretty good really, but somehow it doesn’t come together. He’s been faster than Neuville on every rally this year, yet Neuville should have won 2 rallies. Both lucky and unlucky with the off in the same place as Solberg, lucky he didn’t crash, unlucky that Oliver went off worse and had no damage and he got two punctures.
Katsuta. very steady, bit disappointing actually
Pajari. Unlucky, good performance this weekend.
Sordo. Pace wasn’t there. Shame
MSport lot. Flashes of speed, but they always manage to find a way to tread on their own dick when they have a chance.

[Rallyper]

Both Neuville and Oliver was under big pressure, especially last day. Today it is. And they managed it very well. Big congrats to both.

[COD]

My pickems looked quite good until the second last stage….

Solberg is so lucky, same off as Fourmaux. No damage vs. Double puncture

[Rallyper]

My pickems looked quite good until the second last stage….

Solberg is so lucky, same off as Fourmaux. No damage vs. Double puncture

Yeah. same luck as Ogier during the years. A master must have luck. Apply to all sorts of sports.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Well done Neuville.

Such wonderful atmosphere with the team, seeing Neuville and team members at the podium. A finally, well deserved win and mix in the championship!!

[meh]

My pickems looked quite good until the second last stage….

... and I got a DNS because the forum was down when it was time to enter those.

[flat_right]

https://www.upload.ee/image/19334683/wrc.png

I’m not the original author, but a good joke deserves to be shared.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good interview with Solberg after the rally shows how tough it was for him here after the two previous events...

https://rallyjournal.com/oliver-solberg-makes-brutally-honest-admission-i-havent-been-myself/

[Lead]

https://www.upload.ee/image/19334683/wrc.png

I’m not the original author, but a good joke deserves to be shared.

I heard a towing truck had a puncture, so he let Evans pass

[spyros]

Strange statement from Neuville at dirtfish, to be honest. This win doesn’t suddenly erase the fact that Toyota looked faster for most of the rally, and Hyundai has struggled badly almost all season. A victory is a victory, but the underlying performance gap still seems pretty obvious.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Strange statement from Neuville at dirtfish, to be honest. This win doesn’t suddenly erase the fact that Toyota looked faster for most of the rally, and Hyundai has struggled badly almost all season. A victory is a victory, but the underlying performance gap still seems pretty obvious.

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

[Duvel]

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

I did not realy follow the rally, only checking times.
Better to have the Hyundai's fighting on the top this way! Toyota dominance is not good for the sport, people loosing interest.
(not Toyota's foult, and thak god they are still there).

I stil hope to see the Fords a little in the mix also on some rally's.

[Duvel]

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

I did not realy follow the rally, only checking times.
Better to have the Hyundai's fighting on the top this way! Toyota dominance is not good for the sport, people loosing interest.
(not Toyota's foult, and thank god they are still there).

I stil hope to see the Fords a little in the mix also on some rally's.

[EstWRC]

They were also fast last year at Portugal, Tänak was fighting with Ogier on pure pace and only the slow puncture robbed the victory from him.

Seems they have definitely made a step forward with the upgrades they brought to Portugal but yeah funny that they are talking now like they have closed the gap.

Japan will be embarassing again i suppose.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Andrew Wheatley believes Hyundai can be competitive in the upcoming gravel rallies – and still challenge for the championship as well.

“Absolutely. We always knew that from this point onwards we would have the opportunity to be competitive. The next rally will be difficult, but from Greece onwards I believe we will be full power.,” Wheatley assessed.

https://rallyjournal.com/bold-message-sent-in-world-rally-championship-title-fight/

[Dimitris]

No Power Steering, not a punc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I watched the 1-hour highlights of Rally Portugal the other day, something I never normally do.

Watching this it struck me what a great event this was... full of action and drama. There was the improved pace of the Hyundai's, crashes by the MSports, weather affecting the stages and times, lucky escapes and dramatic punctures.

You couldnt really ask for more. And yet there was hardly any real posting on this forum thread. Sad.

[deephouse]

Mostly because the forum is up and down constantly and people stop bothering. Even posting sometimes is complete pain in the ass.

[Andre Oliveira]

Exactly. I gave up of post a lot of times. Pitty, sad, but true.