Elfyn Evans (Toyota) leads Rally Portugal shakedown

For its fiftieth anniversary, the Rally of Portugal began with the traditional shakedown, dominated by Elfyn Evans (Toyota). The Briton is ahead of the Ford Craig Breen, And the Hyundai byOtt Tänak. For their return to competition after their battle in Monte-Carlo, Sébastien Ogier and Sébastien Loeb remained discreet to say the least, still signing three loops each.

Evans starts strong, Loubet too

Before the first special of the weekend, the Rally Portugal opened its doors with the famous shakedown, just to get everyone into the rhythm. After a complicated weekend in Croatia (5th), Elfyn Evans started her rally in the best possible way around Paredes, setting the best time. Like his friends, the Briton completed three loops of these 4,55 km.

READ ALSO: What roles will Pirelli tires play in Portugal?

The Toyota driver is ahead of the Ford of Craig Breen (+0'4) and the Hyundai of Ott Tänak (+0'7). Further on, we find Pierre-Louis Loubet, who is trying to regain his confidence after his unfortunate accident in Croatia. The Frenchman set the fifth fastest time of the session, at the end of these three shakedown laps. Winner of the last rally in Croatia, the young championship leader Kalle Rovanpera, set the eighth time, almost a second and a half behind Evans.

For their return, Sébastien, Ogier and Loeb remained somewhat behind, with only the seventh and tenth time. The first special of the weekend, scheduled for 20:03 p.m. this Thursday, will surely be an opportunity to see them more seriously at work, with 2,82 km to cover in the country's former capital, Coimbra. For the first day of driving, this Friday, nearly eight special stages will be on the program.

@WRC