Contested over 4.6 km, some portions of which will be repeated in the race on Saturday, the shakedown of the Rally of Portugal resulted in a close ranking among the nine leading cars lined up. In the end, it was a “returner”, Dani Sordo, who was the fastest in 2’51”2. The 41-year-old Spaniard is lined up for the first time this season at the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N. He is ahead of his two teammates, Ott Tänak (2’51”7) and Thierry Neuville (2’52” ‘1), in this test time.
Sébastien Ogier, winner in Croatia, took fourth place with his Toyota (2’52”2), just ahead of his compatriot Adrien Fourmaux (2’52”3), still third in the Championship with his Ford Puma of M- Sport.
Very serious things will begin Friday morning
The morning was not short of adventures since Neuville hit a dog during his first pass while Kalle Rovanperä, who is taking part in his third rally of the season, experienced a hybrid problem which deprived him of a little driving. Author of the best time on the first pass (2’52”7), he did not improve during his second attempt.
The rally will start this Thursday evening (8:05 p.m. French time) with a short 2.94 km super special in Figueira da Foz. The very serious things will begin on Friday morning (from 9:05 a.m.) with eight special stages and nearly 130 km timed around Coimbra before a continuation and end of the rally towards Porto.
