Driving skills take precedence over navigation at the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.
Everything is almost ready for the drivers and vehicles of the World Cross-Country Rally Championship to tackle the challenging stages prepared by the Automobile Club of Portugal for the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.
Over six days of competition, the competitors will cover around 2,200 kilometres, more than half of which will be contested against the clock, on a demanding route that crosses Portugal and the Spanish region of Extremadura.
Prologue in Grândola kicks off the action
The spotlight turns on 17 March, with the motorbike riders being the first to take to the track. The prologue, held in the vicinity of Grândola, will determine the starting order for the first stage.
The following day, the entire convoy enters the competition with a stage starting and finishing in the Alentejo village. After the first special stage, SS2 will take place, covering around three kilometres, very close to the bivouac, providing an excellent opportunity for the public to see the competitors up close.
This section will also be broadcast live on television.
Heading to Spain with demanding and varied stages
On 19 March, the race leaves Grândola and heads for Badajoz, on a stage covering almost 400 kilometres.
In Portugal, sandy surfaces predominate, but once in Spain the route passes through mountainous areas and technical trails, ending in flatter areas with farmland.
The next stage takes place entirely in Spain, featuring over 300 kilometres of time trial on a fast route, though with slippery sections that could make a significant difference to the standings.
The longest and most decisive stage on the return to Portugal
The return to Portugal also marks the longest stage of the event, covering almost 650 kilometres, 315 of which are timed.
The terrain will be tough and demanding, with a slower start but a faster second half, where the drivers will have to take risks to make up time.
Once in the Algarve, the rally enters mountainous terrain. In the Serra do Caldeirão, competitors face around 100 decisive kilometres, one of the last opportunities to change the standings.
The competition concludes with a short special stage, which will be televised, before the final ceremony at Vilamoura Marina.
A route designed for spectacle
At the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, driving skills ultimately prove more important than navigation. To make a difference, you have to push harder, and that makes for a more spectacular event.
We have kept the route consistent with previous editions, although we were forced to make changes shortly before the start due to the storms that hit Portugal in February. Even so, we are confident that we will have a demanding, balanced and highly competitive route.
We hope the competitors will enjoy themselves and put on a great show for the many spectators who will be watching the event at the special stages.
— Orlando Romana, bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal director
Where to watch the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal
Throughout the week, spectators will be able to watch the event at various points along the route in Portugal and Spain, with designated spectator areas designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the event safely. Check here for full details and make the most of the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.