Numerous champions will celebrate 50 years of the World Rally Championship at the Rally Portugal and drive the “Fafe” stage in historic WRC bolides
Strictly speaking, the World Rally Championship (WRC) will not be 50 years old until January 2023, but the golden anniversary will be celebrated next week (19-22 May) at the Rally Portugal. A unique gathering of rally legends will be taking place.
No less than nine world champions are expected to attend the celebrations in Portugal. In addition to Sebastien Loeb, Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tänak, who are actively participating in the rally for M-Sport, Toyota and Hyundai, Walter Röhrl, Ari Vatanan, Miki Biasion, Carlos Sainz, Marcus Grönholm and Petter Solberg have also announced their participation.
Several well-known co-drivers will also take part in the celebrations. They will be led by FIA Vice President Robert Reid, who navigated Richard Burns to the World Championship title in 2001. Michele Mouton, who to date is the only woman to have won a WRC race, is also expected in Portugal.
In addition, historic rally cars will be on display. Among them is the Alpina A110, with which Jean-Claude Andruet won the first WRC round in Monte Carlo in 1973, the Guppe-B monsters from Lancia and Audi or the Toyota Corola from the 1990s.
The cars will not only be on display, but can also be seen in motion during the spectator tests. Led by Röhrl, some champions will even complete the famous “Fafe” special stage with their former bolides on the final day of the Rally Portugal.
“The list of WRC greats coming to Portugal, both human and mechanical, makes your mouth water and is a reminder of what a wonderful sport this is and how lucky we are to be involved in it,” says Jona Siebel, Managing Director of WRC Promoter GmbH.
“But that goes for the fans as well. The sight and sounds of great cars from times gone by driving through the stages will bring back tingling memories for the spectators on the roadside,” Siebel added.
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem added: “Now that the championship is entering its 50th year, it is time to reflect on the remarkable achievements, celebrate the past and present champions and look to a bright future. I look forward to the upcoming celebrations at Rally Portugal where the legends will be reunited. “
