Rally Portugal 2024

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 2024 Rally Portugal is back as the 5th round of the World Rally Championship. The European Rally Championship, which uses many of the same stages as the WRC, does not include Portugal for 2024.

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 2024 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 2022’s 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 Mortágua, 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. There is no service until the cars return to Mastosinhos in the evening, any mechanical problems could prove costly.