WRC – Latvala leads shakedown at Rally Portugal

The shakedown of Rally of Portugal had to be covered at least twice by the priority pilots. Jari-Matti Latvala therefore contented himself with the minimum to achieve the reference time by completing the 4,98km of the special in 3'05"2. Despite Andreas Mikkelsen's tenth fastest time, Volkswagen Motorsport is well placed since Sébastien Ogier follows the Finn with less than a second delay. Nevertheless, Henning Solberg left his mark by placing himself between the two Polo R WRC after having completed no less than four passes.

Dani Sordo was responsible for placing the first Hyundai i20 WRC in fourth place ahead of the Fiesta RS WRC of Mikko Hirvonen which precedes the two other Korean cars entrusted to Juho Hänninen and Thierry Neuville. Citroën Racing remains discreet since the first DS3 WRC is only in ninth place with Mads Ostberg following Robert Kubica.

Sébastien Ogier will lead the way in the first stage of the Rally Portugal, the starting order being carried out this year according to the Drivers' classification. A super special will be contested tomorrow evening in Lisbon.

Rally Portugal shakedown results

1. Jari-Matti Latvala? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 3’05”2 (2 runs)
2. Henning Solberg? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’06”0 (4 runs)
3. Sébastien Ogier? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 3’07”1 (2 passes)
4. Dani Sordo? Hyundai i20 WRC? 3’07”8 (2 runs)
5. Mikko Hirvonen? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’08”3 (3 runs)
6. Juho Hänninen? Hyundai i20 WRC? 3’08”4 (2 runs)
7. Thierry Neuville? Hyundai i20 WRC? 3’08”5 (3 runs)
8. Robert Kubica? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’10”2 (2 passes)
9. Mads Ostberg? Citroën DS3 WRC? 3’10”3 (2 passes)
10. Andreas Mikkelsen? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 3’10”5 (2 passes)
11. Ott Tänak ? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’10”8 (2 passes)
12. Kris Meeke? Citroën DS3 WRC? 3’10”8 (3 passes)
13. Khalid Al Qassimi? Citroën DS3 WRC? 3’13”3 (3 passes)
14. Elfyn Evans? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’16”3 (2 passes)
15. Martin Prokop? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 3’18”1 (2 passes)