Rally Portugal 2023

Rally Portugal was included in the inaugural WRC calendar in 1973 and is held on fairly fast technical gravel roads. The weather in Portugal can be changeable in May when the rally is usually held, making the surfaces soft, revealing rocks that can catch drivers out. 

For 2023 Rally Portugal is the 5th round of the World Rally Championship and the Rally Serras de Fafe e Felgueiras is back as the 1st round of the European Championship Calendar. The ERC round uses stages from the WRC and is often used by WRC crews to gain extra preperation and milage in the car.

Rally Portugal hosts some of the most iconic stages of the WRC including Amarante, Arganil and the infamous Pedra Sentada jump on the Fafe stage. The atmosphere on the stages of Rally Portugal is amazing with passionate fans and most of the viewing places getting very busy. They are however well controlled and regulated, unlike in the late 80’s early 90’s when the cars had to weave through the crowds!

Rally Portugal 2023 has two super special spectator stages this year, the fan favourite Lousada (a rally x track)  and Figueira da Foz both street stages. The latter stage is close to Coimbra and replaces last years stage in the city, there is no Porto – Foz stage (in Matosinhos) this year. 

The super special stages are all held in the evening and are fun to watch, especially if you can find somewhere to stay nearby. 

Fridays Rally Portugal route features double passes of Lousa, Gois and Arganil, with the two loops separated by a remote tyre fitting area in Arganil. The day ends with a single run through Mortagua and the super special Figueira da Foz making a return for the first time in 26 years. There is no service until the cars return to Mastosinhos in the evening, any mechanical problems could prove costly.