The first day of Vodafone Rally De Portugal 2024 has come to a close. Thierry Neuville leads after the days lone stage.
Shakedown
Dani Sordo was right back into form for the shakedown stage. As the Spaniard set the fastest time, 0.5 seconds faster than Ott Tänak. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest, 0.9 seconds slower than Sordo and 0.4 seconds slower than Tänak. Sebastien Ogier posted the fourth fastest time, 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the Vodafone Rally De Portugal shakedown stage. With a time 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS1, Figueira da Foz
Championship leader Thierry Neuville kicked off Vodafone Rally De Portugal 2024 with a stage win. As the Belgian posted a time 0.6 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to top the stage. Ott Tänak and Takamoto Katsuta tied for third fastest on the stage, with both drivers finishing two seconds slower than Neuville and 1.4 seconds slower than Ogier. Kalle Rovanperä rounded out the top five times on the opening stage, finishing 0.4 seconds slower than Tänak and Katsuta.
What To Expect From Vodafone Rally De Portugal Day Two
The second day of Vodafone Rally De Portugal is where the action truly gets underway. Drivers will contest 126.90 km across eight stages. The day’s longest stage will be the 18.72 km Agranil stage. While the shortest is the 12.28 km Lousã stage. Drivers may opt to drive more on the side of caution. As the day doesn’t feature a midday service. In addition to not having a midday service. Drivers will have to use the same tires as day one’s SuperSpecial stage for the morning loop. This will add an additional challenge for the drivers during the opening loop of four stages. Thierry Neuville will be on road sweeping duties as he leads the championship. Elfyn Evans will be second and Adrien Fourmuax third on the road.