Undoubtedly, bad luck befell Adrien Fourmaux during Portugal’s career. As leader in a particularly tough WRC2 class, the driver from the north had two punctures on his Ford Fiesta in the fifth and sixth special stages. Thus, he takes 7 minutes and loses any chance of winning. He will continue for the honor and prove he is back among the fastest riders in the World Championships.
43 cars were entered in WRC2 at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal (11–14 May). And it’s not just the quantity on offer at the fifth round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Quality is here too Seven of the drivers entered have already tasted victory in the WRC2 class, while two others have achieved outright victories in several WRC rounds.
This is the case for the Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsenand Northern Ireland Chris Mickey. Andreas Mikkelsen, WRC2 champion in 2021 and three-time World Rally winner, he’s also at the controls of Škoda. The Norwegian, who plans to compete in select tours this year, is back in action for the first time since last September.
Chris Mickey’s Great Comeback
Chris Mickey It adds to the list of household names, although Ulsterman has never competed in the 1st Support class. Known for his many victories in the sport’s elite, Meeke made his much anticipated return to the WRC after a four-year absence.
After achieving two wins in two matches so far, the French Johann Russell Temporarily leads the tournament. This is the Citroën C3 Rally2 driver’s first outing on gravel this season. He currently has a nine-point lead in the tournament.
whileEmil Lindholm Busy taking exams for his university Sweden Rally winner, oliver solberg, He is the closest rival to Russell’s title. He is one of many young stars racing Škoda machines, with outstanding personalities Joss Greensmith, Marco Bolasia, and Eric Case Which also includes the Fabia RS Rally2 cars.
Faced with this plateau of a level that has never been reached in WRC2, Adrian Formo She was very challenging at this altitude in Portugal. but with Alexander Correa Al Shamali looked very excited during this first morning of racing. With his Ford Fiesta R2, he took the lead in the class, after winning SS2. Fourmaux even entered the top ten, finishing eighth, ahead of Mikkelsen and Solberg, two other former WRC finishers.
Two holes in a row
Fourmaux continues to ride this wave of euphoria until the fifth special, Gois. His death is a Ford Fiesta. It’s time to fix him and his assistant Alexander Correa Lose two minutes. Rebelote to the next level. This time, the French duo M-Sport receive 5 minutes! Besides, it’s the carnage in WRC2 on these tough tracks. Seclinois said goodbye to the victory, just like Finn Timo Sonnenwhich was second at the start of SS6 and also suffered a puncture.
Swedish Oliver Solberg So he is the new leader of WRC2 with his SkodaBefore British Goss Greensmith And France’s Johann Roussel. The misfortune of some is the happiness of others… Despite his misfortunes, Adrian Formo He still points to the 25th position in the zero spot; And on the 19th in WRC2, he is still more than 7 minutes behind Solberg.
Which will make him say this on social networks. “Bitterness tonight. A very good first episode. Then, out of nowhere, two holes in twice in turns. For an error of 0. So. »
The northern pilot must leave with a knife in his teeth on Saturday. Because he has nothing more to lose to the general. But he certainly regained full confidence in his car and above all, in his speeding qualities.
Portugal Rally classification after the first stage
1. K Rovanperä / J Halttunen FIN Toyota GR Yaris 1h 22m 27.7s
2. D Sordo/C Carrera ESP Hyundai i20 N+10.7s
3.T Neuville/M Wydaeghe Bel Hyundai i20 N+26.0s
4. P Loubet/N Gilsoul FRA Ford Puma +26.9s
5. E Lappi/J Ferm FIN Hyundai i20 N+27.3s
6. O Tänak / M Järveoja IS Ford Puma + 1m 4.7s
