Loeb, Mikkelsen, Cais, a tempting poster in the Azores

Divergences and the question of the accessibility of the island of Sao Miguel caused it to lose its place in Rally Azores in the championship ERC. However, the event has been a major event for many seasons. Run in the middle of the Atlantic in an autonomous region of Portugal, this gravel rally has a reputation for being difficult with its fast paths often surrounded by lush nature. With its geographical position, the volcanic island has a temperate climate, but the rains can be abundant at this time of the year with also fog which can complicate the progress of the competitors. Knowledge of the field will certainly play a role.

Always dynamic, the organizers of the Azores have decided to invite several renowned pilots for their 57^e edition (March 31 – April 1). In terms of results, Sébastien Loeb is at the top of the bill, but the Frenchman will have to discover the roads and the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 that he will use. The nine-time world champion has not competed in a traditional rally since the Acropolis last September and he will be navigated by his partner Laurène Godey with whom he has not ridden since Var 2019. As he says himself: “ Nothing is too much in my favor, but I am a little used to this type of situation. » If Seb is primarily there to have fun, this will not necessarily be the case for the four other guest stars gathered in Ponta Delgada.

Mikkelsen favorite in the Azores?

Having the best experience of this meeting with a first participation in 2010 and successes in 2012 and 2021, Andreas Mikkelsen is the favorite. The 33-year-old Norwegian is still looking for the ideal solution to get back behind the wheel in Rally1 and he wants to keep up with the pace of the competition. He will have to watch his compatriot Ole Christian Veiby who will discover the Fabia RS and the terrain. Already present twice in Sao Miguel (2019 and 2021), Erik Cais will have the opportunity to confirm his latest good performances against tough competition. Finally, Nil Solans will try to rely on his experience of 2021 to come and play spoilsport. The 30-year-old Spaniard will ride a Race Seven Team Fabia Evo.

The local crews do not intend to let this happen on their land. Multi-reigning champion, Luis Rego Jr will seek to take advantage of his excellent knowledge of special stages to shine. Winner in 2016 and unfortunate loser last year, Ricardo Moura will also be a very serious contender in this event that he loves so much.

The 2023 Azores Rally offers a shorter route than when it was in the ERC, which will require competitors to immediately be on the pace. After the shakedown on Friday morning, a first stage of 5 stages (39,42 km timed) will take the crews to the Sete Cidades site with its two different colored lakes. On Saturday, 7 special stages are scheduled for a total of 69,90 km.

Friday 31 March
09:00 – FP – Free Practice – Lagoa Stage
10:30 a.m. – QS – Qualifications – Lagoa Stage
12:00 – SK – Shakedown – Lagoa Stage
14:33 p.m. – SS1 – Feteiras 1
15:16 p.m. – SS2 – Sete Cidades 1
17:20 p.m. – SS3 – Feteiras 2
18:03 p.m. – SS4 – Sete Cidades 2
19:00 p.m. – SS5 – SS Marks 1

Saturday April 1
10:38 a.m. – SS6 – Tronqueira 1
14:33 p.m. – SS7 – Graminhais 1
15:16 p.m. – SS8 – Ribeira Grande 1
17:20 p.m. – SS9 – SS Marks 2
18:03 a.m. – SS10 – Tronqueira 2
19:00 p.m. – SS11- Graminhais 2
20:00 p.m. – SS12- Ribeira Grande 2 (Power Stage)

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