Rally fans are in for a treat next year, after it was revealed that next year’s Portugal Rally will take place in the Algarve between March 31 and April 2.
The news emerged following a presentation in Lloret Del Mar, Spain, from ACP Sport. The race will start and finish in Vilamoura and will cover 802 kilometres from Tavira through to São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Almodôvar and Loulé, of which 239 kilometres will be time trials.
Among the sponsors of the event are the Portuguese Tourist Board and the câmaras of Almodôvar, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Silves. Club President, Carlos Barbosa, said recently: “We have spared no resources in our bid to revive the great atmosphere of Rally Sport. In order to be part of the World Rally championships, it was vital to create an adequate structure and a perfectly organised track.”
Barbosa went on to say: “I have never understood why the Portuguese Rally was excluded from the World Championships. It is one of the most interesting rallies of our time and I hope it quickly returns to the world stage.
In the meantime, Tournament Director, Pedro de Almeida, explained that, “The 2005 Portuguese Rally in the Algarve is now a reality. Detailed steps are being taken to ensure that nothing goes wrong. In a race of this kind everything has to be just right.”
