WRC 2
Record entry pulls out WRC2 big guns in Portugal
Vodafone Rally de Portugal boasts a record WRC2 entry this week, with a staggering 45 crews set to tackle the iconic gravel stages around Porto.
Among them are some of the category’s biggest names – including title contenders, former winners, and returning Rally1 stars.
Championship leader Yohan Rossel tops the list, the Citroën C3 Rally2 driver arriving with a 15-point advantage following back-to-back victories in Monte-Carlo and the Canary Islands. Portugal, however, marks his first gravel event of the season – and a tougher test of his early-season form. Rossel has fond memories of the event, having claimed WRC2 honours here in 2022.
His nearest rival, Oliver Solberg, is eager to bounce back from a frustrating outing in Kenya and remain firmly in the title fight. Driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Solberg knows a strong result is essential with just six scores counting across the season. The Swede, who finished third here last year, faces a rejuvenated field and increasing pressure from those behind.
Gus Greensmith is one of those closing in. Although 25 points adrift of the lead, the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver has only contested one point-scoring round so far this year – and won it in Kenya.
Loubet returns with M-Sport
A notable name returning to WRC2 this week is Pierre-Louis Loubet, who re-joins M-Sport Ford in a renewed partnership. The Frenchman piloted a Puma Rally1 for the team across 2022 and 2023 but now switches to a Fiesta Rally2 for his first WRC appearance since last September’s Acropolis Rally Greece.
Bulacia brothers get Toyota power
Marco and Bruno Bulacia are both back in action this week, each making their first WRC2 start of the season in Toyota GR Yaris Rally2s. It’s been almost a year since the Bolivian brothers last competed on the world stage – at Rally Italia Sardegna in 2024 – but they’re no strangers to Portugal’s demanding gravel. Marco won the WRC2 Challenger category here last year and will be looking to pick up where he left off.
Korhonen rides ERC momentum
One of the most intriguing entries is that of Roope Korhonen, who arrives fresh from victory at ERC Rally Hungary. The 2023 WRC3 champion is stepping up his WRC2 programme this year and, on current form, has the pace to challenge for victory on Portugal’s sandy stages.
Sordo and Meeke add star power – but not chasing WRC2 points
Dani Sordo and Kris Meeke are also on the entry list in Portugal, each competing in Rally2 cars – but neither is registered for WRC2 points. Instead, they’ll contest the event as part of the Portuguese national championship, which runs alongside the WRC. Sordo will drive a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, while Meeke lines up in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
