Teodosio tests out the opening stageThe organisers of Rally Portugal, the fifth round of the WRC, hailed today's test of the superspecial stage at the event base in the Algarve stadium a success.
The test was carried out by Vitor Teodosio, who will not be competing
in the event itself, as competitors are not permitted on stages prior to the start of the official recce.
Despite overnight rain making the tarmac surface extremely wet, Teodosio was able to demonstrate that the 2.03Km test would provide an exceptional spectacle for the anticipated 30,000 fans expected for the first running on Thursday evening.
Teodosio's laps were impressive enough in his Group N Mitsubishi Lancer EvoVI and gave a hint of what is to come on Thursday evening, when World Rally Cars will compete in anger in Portugal for the first time in six years.
However, on that occasion, they will be pitted head to head in the best tradition of superspecial stages and the 300bhp World Rally Cars will provide even more spectacle as they tackle the specially-built test.
For the fans, this will be the culmination of an evening full of entertainment, as there will be a series of demonstrations prior to the start of the live stage, by some of the most iconic rally cars from yesteryear.
A Lancia Stratos, Lancia Delta S4 and an Audi Quattro are all making appearances on Thursday, driven by rally legends Markku Alen, Bjorn Waldegard and Ari Vatanen. A fitting precursor to Portugal's return to the WRC.
Source Rally Portugal
