The Rally of Portugal will take place from 30 May to 2 June and will start in the Central Region, where it has not been held since 2001. The Aldeias do Xisto our support English initiative and celebrating the return of the race to the spectacular routes through Arganil, Góis and Lousã, where people still remember the excitement, camaraderie and shared passion for the sport that was experienced in the past.
On the 30th, at 7pm, the Departure Ceremony will take place at the Porta Férrea in Coimbra. The race counts towards the WRC - FIA World Rally Championship and will officially start the following day, also at the Porta Férrea. The start is scheduled for 8.30am The riders then continue towards Lousã, Góis and Arganil, passing through the heart of the mountain range of the Aldeias do Xisto.
Check out the full programme here, learn about the courses in detail here and learn here where you can safely take part in the event.
In Lousã, the 12 km route goes through an area of very dense forest, on the half slope which has a very technical selective progression, but always with respect to the naturally tough scenic beauty of the Beira region. After km 8 times on the section come down with the road showing some natural rocky outcrops, after which riders embark on the spectacular descent involving many terms which are very interesting to observe, until it ends on the outskirts of the village.
The Góis section is almost 19km long. It starts on asphalt, but quickly enters a dirt section where the riders’ technique, together with the constant variation in pace, will have to respond to the toughness of the track. If the start of the section wends its way through densely forested forest, the riders will soon reach the mountain ridge and be able to move at faster speeds, without having much opportunity to delight in the stunning scenery, given the demands placed on their driving ability.
Arganil has always formed part of the history of the Rally of Portugal. This mythical stretch of almost 15km, once one of the biggest in world rallying, retains the essence of pure driving in the best spirit of rallying. Its natural ambience, the surrounding landscape and the type of terrain form part of its DNA. Intense, variable in rhythm and cadence, its excitement and imminent danger go hand in hand along the slopes of the Serra do Açor with the additional “frisson” of areas stripped of vegetation. FIA safety standards involve the placement of protective rails in the most “extreme” areas, yet a small mistake could be fatal to the ambitions of drivers and teams.
Plan your entire stay at bookinxisto.com.
