The ceremonial start for this year’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal, held in the Casino Estoril Gardens for the first time in 39 years, was a huge success this afternoon (Wed 3 April). In addition to the cars taking the official start over the ramp, a host of activity was in place for the crews and rally fans alike.
The Portuguese national anthem was played in advance of the first car by the orchestra of the GNR, the Portuguese National Republic Guard. The crowd of fans then sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Volkswagen Motorsport’s Finnish driver, Jari-Matti Latvala, who celebrates his 29th birthday today.
Reigning champion Sebastien Ogier then presented a cheque to the Estoril volunteer fire-fighters, for €1000, his fee from taking part in the pre-event recce in 2008.
There was also a pre-start photoshoot of all the WRC drivers taking part, before an extremely busy autograph session as the drivers spent 30 minutes signing materials for the crowds of fans.
Once the start ceremony was complete, the crews drove the 20Km to the Praca do Imperio in Lisbon, ready for the first, superspecial, stage of the event, beginning at 6pm local time and being shown live in TV.
Traditionally, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal features a huge entry list and this year is no different. As the first mainland European gravel rally of the season, the 2014 edition has no less than 85 crews on the entry list.
However, just as impressive is the number of Fords that make up the field. According to M-Sport, the company that develops and runs Ford rally cars in the WRC, there are 42 cars featuring the famous blue oval badge in the Algarve this weekend.
The main team will be fielding six Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Cars, there will be five Fiesta Regional Rally Cars (RRCs), two Fiesta Super2000s, 14 Fiesta R5 cars and 15 Fiesta R2 two wheel-drive cars, including the 12 cars which make up the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy.
This represents 49% of the field competing in Fords, an astonishing figure.