The story as told by the winners
Over the course of 58 editions, the story has been written with records, legends and surprises, as well as periods of dominance and unlikely victories.
From 1967 to the present day, the Rally de Portugal has built a roll of honour that reflects not only the technical evolution of the sport, but also the rise of some of the greatest names of all time — true icons in Portugal. Just ask Sébastien Ogier, seven-time winner, and Markku Alén, who held the record with five victories for 37 years. Over 58 editions, the story has been written through records, legends, surprises, as well as periods of dominance and unlikely victories.
Sébastien Ogier - 7 wins
The record holder for WRC titles, with nine championships, Sébastien Ogier began writing this remarkable story in Portugal, where he secured his first victory in 2010.
Since then, he has won the event organised by the ACP seven times, establishing himself as the most successful driver in the history of the Vodafone Rally de Portugal.
Cars:
Toyota GR Yaris Rally1; Ford Fiesta WRC; Volkswagen Polo R WRC; Citroën DS 3 WRC and Citroën C4 WRC
Markku Alén - 5 wins
Known as “Mr. Rally de Portugal”, Markku Alén held the record for victories in the event for nearly three decades.
A dominant figure throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Alén was involved in some of the rally’s most iconic duels, with names such as Hannu Mikkola, Henri Toivonen and Jean Ragnotti.
Cars:
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, Fiat 131 Abarth and Lancia Delta HF 4WD
Hannu Mikkola - 3 wins
Like his compatriot Markku Alén, Hannu Mikkola was also particularly successful in Portugal.
After claiming his first victory in 1979 — securing a third consecutive Finnish win in the event — Mikkola returned to the top step of the podium twice more (both consecutively), taking full advantage of the outstanding Audi Quattro S2.
Cars:
Ford Escort RS1800, Audi Quattro A1 and A2
Massimo Biasion - 3 wins
As rallying transitioned from the brutal Group B era to the more controlled Group A regulations, Biasion wrote one of the golden chapters of the Rally de Portugal, with three consecutive victories — a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
Cars:
Lancia Delta HF Integrale
Armindo Araújo - 3 wins
With three victories in 2003, 2004 and 2006, Armindo Araújo is by far the most successful Portuguese driver in the event and the only one to break into the ranks of the great international names.
Even more impressive is the fact that two of those victories were achieved at the wheel of a front-wheel-drive car, the small Citroën Saxo Kit Car.
Cars:
Citroën Saxo Kit Car and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. VIII MR