At the start of the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, part of the W2RC championship, Guerlain Chicherit from Overdrive Racing led the car category, closely followed by his teammates Yazeed Al Rajhi and Lucas Moraes from Toyota Gazoo Racing, marking an impressive triplet for Toyota in this initial stage. Additionally, the return of Carlos Sainz was notable, this time competing in a Mini JCW Rally Plus, with a firm intention to contend for the championship.
In the Challenger category, Rokas Baciuska from the Can-Am Factory team set the pace, positioning himself ahead of Mario Franco from Franco Sport and Marcelo Gastaldi from BBR. On the other hand, in SSV, Ricardo Ramilo claimed victory, surpassing Yasir Seaidan from MMP and Sebastian Guayasamin from FN Speed.
As for the competition itself, Nasser Al Attiyah started strong by winning the prologue. However, during the stage, the team composed of Guerlain Chicherit and Mathieu Baumel demonstrated impeccable performance, leading from start to finish and establishing a considerable advantage over their rivals. In the end, the French duo finished with a 28-second lead over Al Rajhi and a 48-second lead over Moraes's official Hilux, sealing an impressive triumph for Toyota.
With the excitement and intensity of this first stage palpable in the air, competitors prepare to face the upcoming stages of the rally-raid. Tomorrow, the program continues with Stage 2, which will take place from Grândola to Grândola, covering a total of 201 kilometers, including a special section of 166 kilometers. The spectacle is guaranteed in this race full of challenges and strategy, where each pilot will seek to achieve glory in the terrains of Portugal.
Upcoming Stages:
- April 4: Stage 2 - Grândola – Grândola (Total: 201 km / SS: 166 km)
- April 5: Stage 3 - Grândola – Badajoz
- FIM (Total: 616 km / SS: 374 km)
- FIA (Total: 747 km / SS: 388 km)
- April 6: Stage 4 - Badajoz - Grândola (Total: 539 km / SS: 251 km)
- April 7: Stage 5 - Grândola – Grândola (Total: 144 km / SS: 103 km)
These stages promise to be equally exciting and challenging, with diverse terrains and conditions that will test the skill and endurance of the pilots. From long special sections to more technical terrains, each day offers new opportunities for competitors to stand out and move one step closer to the final victory. Fans can expect more excitement and action as the rally-raid continues its course through Portugal.
| Pos. | Pilot | Team | Stage Points | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G. CHICHERIT | OVERDRIVE RACING PRODRIVE | (1.) 5 | 5 | - | - | - | - |
| 2 | Y. AL RAJHI | OVERDRIVE RACING TOYOTA | (2.) 4 | 4 | - | - | - | - |
| 3 | L. MORAES | TOYOTA GAZOO RACING | (3.) 3 | 3 | - | - | - | - |
| 4 | C. SAINZ | X-RAID MINI JCW TEAM | (4.) 2 | 2 | - | - | - | - |
| 5 | N. AL-ATTIYAH | NASSER RACING PRODRIVE | (5.) 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
