The Circuito Internacional de Montalegre staged the very first World RX event back in 2014. Ten years on, the popular Barroso track will bring down the curtain on the European leg of the series’ campaign – with much at stake.
The ‘Battle of Technologies’ continues to spring surprises, and while sustainably-fuelled combustion cars currently hold a three-one advantage in that particular duel over their electric RX1e rivals, conventional wisdom says that Montalegre – located some 1,000m above sea level – will be EV territory.
Klara Andersson came within a whisker of claiming her maiden victory at the highest level in the Höljes curtain-raiser, with CE Dealer Team stablemate Niclas Grönholm then triumphing at Nyirád behind the wheel of the sister PWR RX1e. Hansen brothers Kevin and Timmy, meanwhile, are eager to fight back from a tough start to the season, and both have been on combative form at Montalegre in the past.
Not forgetting, of course, JDM Raptor Racing’s Anthony Pelfrene in his ICE Peugeot 208 WRX. The Frenchman spends much of his time in Portugal – can he play ‘home advantage’ next month..?
Greece
Poland
Portugal