Mikkelsen dominates shakedown in Portugal

The competitors of Rally of Portugal began hostilities this morning near Porto with the traditional shakedown, contested over a little over 4,5 km. The Volkswagens were the fastest with a domination by Andreas Mikkelsen, author of a best time in 3’11″3, on his third visit, he who discovers the 2015 version of the Polo.

VW achieves a hat-trick with the double world champion Sébastien Ogier, second at 1″3 from the Norwegian and ahead of the Finn Jari-Matti Latvala at 1″8. The closest pursuer WRC German is Estonian Ott Tänak behind the wheel of the latest evolution of the Ford Fiesta RS M-Sport. Dani Sordo (Hyundai) and Robert Kubica (Ford) follow in the standings ahead of the first DS3 of Briton Kris Meeke.

Citroën Racing also experienced a first mishap on this rally, with an accident and rolls for Mads Ostberg during his initial run. The Norwegian was finally able to return to the service park, the car being only slightly damaged.

Shakedown video is available here.

Shakedown Rally Portugal ranking:

1. A. Mikkelsen (VW Polo) – 3’11″3
2. S. Ogier (VW Polo) – 3’12″6
3. J.M. Latvala (VW Polo) – 3’13″1
4. O. Tänak (Ford Fiesta) – 3’13″4
5. D. Sordo (Hyundai) – 3’13″4
6. R. Kubica (Ford Fiesta) – 3’13″6
7. K. Meeke (DS3 WRC) – 3’14″0
8. H. Paddon (Hyundai) – 3’14″3
9. E. Evans (Ford Fiesta) – 3’14″9
10.T. Neuville (Hyundai) – 3’16″2