Now fifth in the Rally-Raid Portugal, Lucas Moraes still believes in a podium finish

A difficult day at the Rally-Raid Portugal for Lucas Moraes. The Brazilian, reigning W2RC World Champion, had nevertheless secured his first victory for Dacia yesterday and had closed to within 1 minute 28 seconds of the leaders. Loeb and Edouard Boulanger. Having to open the road today, the driver of the Dacia Sandriders #223 had all sorts of difficulties performing on this 4th stage, which saw the competitors cross the border between Spain and Portugal: This is not the step I would have chosen if I had to do it to open one " commented the person most directly involved upon arrival at the stage. We encountered a few minor problems, particularly with "reading" the terrain. I myself made a few mistakes and I need to improve in this area. " he admitted. The operation is not very good for Moraes, who drops in the hierarchy and is now 5th overall.

Lucas Moraes wants to close the gap to third place

The day's winner, João Ferreira, stole the show by knocking him off the podium, and South African Guy Botterill also overtook him. With one stage remaining, however, it's not over yet for Lucas Moraes: We're still in contention for the podium; we're only just over a minute behind, and there are still 100 kilometers of timed stages to cover tomorrow. " he said, motivated by the challenge that awaits him tomorrow with his navigator Dennis Zenz"We're going to give it our all, we're going to attack as hard as possible and we'll see if we're able to get on the podium." As a reminder, the Brazilian won the Rally-Raid Portugal last year and finished third in 2024. Will it be three in a row? Find out tomorrow.

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