WRC set to celebrate 50 championship seasons in Portugal
10th May 2022The World Rally Championship is set to celebrate its 50th championship season at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, next week.
The Vodafone Rally de Portugal will see the biggest-ever gathering of the sports champions at Matosinhos, Portugal, next week as the sport celebrates its half-a-century milestone.
The series’ title-winning drivers, co-drivers and team managers will be in-attendance at the event. Such drivers include; Sebastian Loeb, Sebastian Ogier, Walter Röhrl, Ali Vatanen, Miki Biasion, Carlos Sainz, Marcus Grönholm, Petter Solberg and Ott Tänak.
However, the winners list is bolstered by the WRC’s Ladies’ Cup winners such as Isolde Holderied, Louise-Aitken-Walker, Tina Thörner, Christine Driano. While Michèle Mouton and Fabrizia Pons, the only outright female pairing to win a WRC event will also be there.
In a press release, WRC Promoter managing director, Jona Siebel said:
“Everyone has their own memories of the thrills, spills and excitement from the WRC and this is a marvellous one-off opportunity for those who have helped make the championship so special.
“The list of WRC greats coming to Portugal, both human and mechanical, is mouth-watering and a reminder of what a wonderfulsport we have the great fortune to be involved in.
“But this is also for the fans. The sights and sounds of great cars from yesteryear being driven through the stages will evoke spine-tingling memories from those watching roadside.”
While there will be a collection of WRC legends in attendance, there will also be a host of historic cars to be displayed in the Exponor service park.
In addition, fans will be able to get a rare opportunity to see the historic cars in ‘demonstration runs’ on all four rally days.
The FIA President, and former rally driver himself, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:
“Since its inaugural season in 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship has delivered spectacular action for global audiences. It has featured the most iconic cars, historic locations and legendary drivers and co-drivers who have secured a
special place in the annals of motorsport.
“The FIA has continuously driven evolution in a sporting and technical
sense: this year is no exception as the WRC ushers in hybrid technology, sustainable fuel and advanced safety measures.
“As the championship enters its 50th year, it’s time to reflect on those remarkable accomplishments, celebrate past and present champions and look ahead to a bright future. I look forward to the upcoming festivities at Rally de Portugal, where the legends will be reunited.”
The Vodafone Rally de Portugal will start on May 19, 2022 and will finish on May 22, 2022
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