Jari-Matti Latvala was fastest in the Rally Portugal shakedown. The Toyota driver was 0.3sec faster than Sebastien Ogier (M-Sport). Thierry Neuville of Hyundai was third with an equal to the Frenchman’s time.
#RallyPortugal – Shakedown
Latvala
Ogier
Neuville
Meeke
Mikkelsen
Paddon
Tanak
Lappi
Sordo
Suninen
Ostberg
Evans
Breen#WRC pic.twitter.com/xD62teSREq— Michelin Motorsport (@Michelin_Sport) May 17, 2018
“Today’s shakedown allowed us to confirm some of the set-up ideas that we had in mind. So from that point of view, it was quite informative. Although it doesn’t give us an entirely accurate picture of what to expect this weekend, I’m pleased with my pace and I’m really looking forward to getting started”, Kris Meeke commented.
The Citroen driver had the fourth fastest time in the shakedown while his teammates were further behind.
“It was good for me to do five runs this morning. We gradually changed the set-up during the session and I now have a clearer idea of what I need. This second rally with the C3 WRC is my first on gravel, so I’m undoubtedly going to be learning with every kilometre covered”, Mads Østberg added.
Jari-Matti Latvala was fastest in the Rally Portugal shakedown
.@JariMattiWRC, fastest time in the shakedown “The car is very fast, the team has done an excellent job, very good feelings with the car. I hope I will bring it to the end of the rally” #RallyPortugal pic.twitter.com/aDMgY74u1A
— Michelin Motorsport (@Michelin_Sport) May 17, 2018
Often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimarães – located to the north of Porto – will host this evening’s ceremonial start. After that, the rally gets underway with a super special stage held on the Lousada rallycross circuit. The first proper leg is tomorrow. It consists of 8 stages – 3 in the morning repeated in the afternoon and two new street distances in the evening.
