Before the official WRC drivers take on the stages, classic rally cars will bring the thrill of nostalgia to three special stages of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal. It’s definitely worth arriving early to catch the action.
As in previous years, the event organized by the Automóvel Club de Portugal includes a competition dedicated to classic rally cars from 1962 to 1998. Many of these models had a strong presence in the Portuguese rally and in the World Rally Championship itself.
The 23 registered entrants will kick off with a display through the main streets of Figueira da Foz on Thursday. On Friday, they’ll face two runs of the Sever do Vouga circuit, and on Saturday, the event wraps up with the Lousada super special stage. All three gravel stages take place before the WRC field hits the road.
Among the entries are some true rally icons, including the Ford Escort MK I and MK II, VW Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, BMW M3 E30, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV, and Renault 4 GTL, among others. The Volvo PV455 (1962) is the oldest car competing, while the Fiat Cinquecento (1998) is the most recent. It’s a great opportunity to relive the glory of machines that delighted generations of rally fans.
Schedule:
- Thursday, May 15
- Figueira da Foz – 16:15
- Friday, May 16
- Sever do Vouga Circuit 1 – 15:30
- Sever do Vouga Circuit 2 – 17:00
- Saturday, May 17
- Lousada – 17:45