WRC Drivers Voice Concerns Over Grueling Portugal Rally Schedule
Dirtfish1 month ago
970

WRC Drivers Voice Concerns Over Grueling Portugal Rally Schedule

Sports
wrc
rallyportugal
motorsport
extremesports
drivers
Share this content:

Summary:

  • WRC drivers criticize the extreme schedule of Rally Portugal, with a 16-hour day and minimal breaks

  • Elfyn Evans calls the schedule "definitely on the extreme side" due to short nights and long days

  • Kalle Rovanperä highlights the lack of time to rest or eat, with only 10-minute breaks

  • Sébastien Ogier questions the need for early starts, doubting fan interest at 7 o'clock in the morning

  • Richard Millener admits the original itinerary was even more extreme but sees the challenge as good for the WRC

WRC drivers are raising concerns about the demanding schedule of Rally Portugal, particularly the extreme length of Friday's leg and the tight scheduling of services and tire fitting zones. With ten stages covering 91 competitive miles and only two remote service zones, drivers are facing a 16-hour day with minimal breaks.

The Challenge of Rally Portugal

The addition of a remote service zone and two brand-new stages has made this year's rally even more challenging. Elfyn Evans, the world championship leader, described the schedule as "definitely on the extreme side," highlighting the short nights and long days that leave little time for recovery.

Rally Portugal

Kalle Rovanperä pointed out the lack of time to rest or eat, with only 10-minute breaks during regroups. Sébastien Ogier questioned the necessity of such early starts, doubting whether fans would be watching at 7 o'clock in the morning.

Drivers' Frustrations

Ott Tänak expressed frustration over the lack of consideration for driver feedback, stating, "You can complain as much as you want, but you still need to drive it." Despite the challenges, there's an acceptance that pushing limits is part of rallying, as noted by Grégoire Munster.

M-Sport Team Principal

Richard Millener, M-Sport's team principal, revealed that the original itinerary was even more extreme. He criticized the late-night tire-fitting zone but acknowledged that a long day every now and again is a good challenge for the WRC.

Looking Ahead

The Safari Rally Kenya remains the longest of the season in terms of competitive mileage, but Portugal's schedule is proving to be a test of endurance for drivers and teams alike. With new stages and tight schedules, the rally promises to be a true test of skill and stamina.

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Train Collision with Truck in Beira Baixa Line Sparks Fire and Leaves Four Slightly Injured

Train Collision with Truck in Beira Baixa Line Sparks Fire and Leaves Four Slightly Injured

1 hour ago
900
Daniela Ruah and Joaquim de Almeida Named Ambassadors for Tribeca Festival Lisboa 2025 - Tickets Start at 15€

Daniela Ruah and Joaquim de Almeida Named Ambassadors for Tribeca Festival Lisboa 2025 - Tickets Start at 15€

2 hours ago
950
Lisbon's Book Fair Magic: Don't Miss the Last Days of Literary Wonders and Signed Copies!

Lisbon's Book Fair Magic: Don't Miss the Last Days of Literary Wonders and Signed Copies!

3 hours ago
880
Train Derails and Catches Fire in Beira Baixa Line: Emergency Teams Rush to Scene

Train Derails and Catches Fire in Beira Baixa Line: Emergency Teams Rush to Scene

4 hours ago
890
PSP Chief Leading Armed Neo-Nazi Group Held in Preventive Detention

PSP Chief Leading Armed Neo-Nazi Group Held in Preventive Detention

8 minutes ago
950
Four of Six Neo-Nazis from Lusitanian Armillary Movement Held in Preventive Detention

Four of Six Neo-Nazis from Lusitanian Armillary Movement Held in Preventive Detention

7 hours ago
960
Portugal's Prime Minister Sets Conditions for Recognizing Palestine - A Strategic Move?

Portugal's Prime Minister Sets Conditions for Recognizing Palestine - A Strategic Move?

9 hours ago
930
Four Arrested in Algarve and Alentejo for Suspected Drug Trafficking - Major Bust by PJ

Four Arrested in Algarve and Alentejo for Suspected Drug Trafficking - Major Bust by PJ

10 hours ago
940
Shocking Kidnapping in Greater Lisbon: Woman Held in Car Trunk After Robbery

Shocking Kidnapping in Greater Lisbon: Woman Held in Car Trunk After Robbery

14 hours ago
1020
Celebrate International Yoga Day with a Free Session Overlooking Lisbon's Stunning Skyline

Celebrate International Yoga Day with a Free Session Overlooking Lisbon's Stunning Skyline

16 hours ago
840
Heatwave Alert: 16 Districts Under Yellow Warning and Over 50 Municipalities at Maximum Fire Risk

Heatwave Alert: 16 Districts Under Yellow Warning and Over 50 Municipalities at Maximum Fire Risk

15 hours ago
1030
PSP Chief Among Leaders of Neo-Nazi Group Dismantled by PJ, Suspected of Terrorism Recruitment

PSP Chief Among Leaders of Neo-Nazi Group Dismantled by PJ, Suspected of Terrorism Recruitment

12 hours ago
910
Lisbon at a Standstill? PS and PSD/CDS-PP Clash Over City's Progress

Lisbon at a Standstill? PS and PSD/CDS-PP Clash Over City's Progress

19 hours ago
890
Lisbon Mayor Admits Education Decentralization Was a Mistake Due to Lack of Funding

Lisbon Mayor Admits Education Decentralization Was a Mistake Due to Lack of Funding

13 hours ago
840
European Body Alarmed by Rising Hate Speech in Portugal, Urges Effective Investigations

European Body Alarmed by Rising Hate Speech in Portugal, Urges Effective Investigations

18 hours ago
1060
Government Calls for Unity in Immigration Debate: A Legislative Game Plan

Government Calls for Unity in Immigration Debate: A Legislative Game Plan

20 hours ago
940
Lisbon Stands with Palestine: Hundreds Rally for State Recognition

Lisbon Stands with Palestine: Hundreds Rally for State Recognition

17 hours ago
910
Mafalda Castro Shares Heartwarming Family Vacation Photos in Algarve

Mafalda Castro Shares Heartwarming Family Vacation Photos in Algarve

1 day ago
870
Isabel Moreira Declares Removing Portuguese Nationality "Absolutely Unconstitutional"

Isabel Moreira Declares Removing Portuguese Nationality "Absolutely Unconstitutional"

1 day ago
880
Massive Blackout in Spain and Portugal: The Shocking Truth Behind the Voltage Surge

Massive Blackout in Spain and Portugal: The Shocking Truth Behind the Voltage Surge

23 hours ago
1000
Lisbon Traffic and Parking Restrictions During Kalorama Festival - What You Need to Know

Lisbon Traffic and Parking Restrictions During Kalorama Festival - What You Need to Know

22 hours ago
980
Marvila's Walls Turn into Lisbon's Largest Open-Air Exhibition - Don't Miss It!

Marvila's Walls Turn into Lisbon's Largest Open-Air Exhibition - Don't Miss It!

21 hours ago
850