One week to go for first European gravel rallyWith just a week to go until Portugal roars back onto the WRC stage, Rally Portugal organisers are delighted with the way the event is shaping up.
The Algarve winter has been a mild one and with the exception of some
rain several weeks ago, generally dry, so the stages to the north of Faro should be in excellent condition. Long range weather forecasts predict warm and sunny conditions in the run-up to the event; exactly the climate the Algarve is famous for in spring.
Construction of the superspecial stage in the Algarve Stadium is almost complete. The track has been laid and is currently setting in the Portuguese sunshine. The organisers expect to be able to carry out the first live test of the stage on Saturday preceding the start of the event, when the stadium will reverberate to the sounds of rally cars for the first time.
Ticket sales for the superspecial stages have exceeded all expectations, with both running of the stage sold out several weeks ago. Around 30,000 fans are expected to watch the first WRC stage on Portuguese soil for six years on Thursday evening, as well as the final stage of this year's event and the finish ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Event sponsor Vodafone is running a variety of promotions around Portugal for the public to win tickets to both superspecials, demonstrating its commitment to the event.
The organisers are also receiving the customary co-operation of the local authorities and Police as they prepare to welcome spectators and rally fans, not only from Portugal and neighbouring Spain but across Europe. The event's legendary heritage is sure to bring huge crowds to the Algarve and as ever, public safety is paramount. The organisers are once again creating spectator zones, specifically developed to allow fans to see the best action in compete safety, with the full support of the local mayors and security staff.
With the 2007 WRC running on European gravel for the first time in Portugal, many are keen to see how the competition develops over the three days. Few drivers will have any experience of the Algarve stages, though BP-Ford's Mikko Hirvonen, currently lying third in the drivers' championship will have some knowledge, having finished second in Portugal in 2005. However, he was at the wheel of a group N Subaru on that occasion, so his Ford Focus RS World Rally Car will feel very different this time round.
The only driver who has any World Rally Car experience is Dani Sordo, fourth in the championship currently. Sordo drove the zero car on the event in 2006, a Citroen Xsara WRC but in that role, was focussed on safety rather than outright speed. However, he also won the two-wheel drive category in 2005, so if anyone will have an advantage, it may well be him. With the Citroen C4's pace on gravel already established, he could well be one to watch…
Of course, team-mate
Sebastien Loeb will be riding high from a dominant performance in Mexico but
Marcus Gronholm has already predicted that Loeb won't have it so easy when the series returns to Europe. And the Subaru team should also not be discounted. Its new car had a strong showing in Mexico, with Petter Solberg leading the event before retiring with engine damage.
Another huge draw to the rally will be Portuguese Rally Champion and 2006 event winner, Armindo Araujo, who will be competing in a Mitsubishi Lancer World Rally Car. Araujo is contesting the 2007 Production car World Rally Championship and finished an excellent fourth in his first event, the Swedish International Rally in February. The support of Portuguese rally fans and the Mitsubishi importer have allowed him to compete on his home event in equal machinery to demonstrate his potential.
Source Rally Portugal
