The PT Rally of Portugal has been included in the 2007 FIA World Rally Championship; a just reward for two years of unending work by the organisers of one of the most iconic events in rallying’s history. The news was confirmed in an FIA press release issued following today’s meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

The PT Rally of Portugal’s inclusion in the 2007 WRC comes after two years running as a Candidate Event. Earning a reputation for exceptional organisation, facilities and competition, both events took place in the beautiful scenery of the Algarve, the location for the 2007 event.

The organisers satisfied the criteria laid down by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, yet retained the spirit of what was widely regarded as one of rallying’s favourite events. A host of stars of rallying, including Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, Markko Martin and Dani Sordo praised the organisers’ efforts and the choice of stages which made up the events.

Last forming part of the WRC in 2001, Portugal is once more in the international motorsport spotlight.  And the country has pledged to demonstrate yet again its capacity for organising major sporting events. 

The welcome return of the Rally de Portugal is a direct result of the efforts of the Automovel Club de Portugal (ACP), led by Carlos Barbosa, and comes exactly two years after Mr Barbosa was elected President.  A team of experienced professionals has worked continuously to make Portugal’s dream of returning to the WRC a reality.

The news is also a fitting reward for the support of the Portuguese Federation (FPAK), the government, the Algarve Tourist Board and all of the event sponsors. In particular, Portugal Telecom (PT) and the Portuguese Bank of Investment (BPI) embraced the efforts to return Portugal to the pinnacle of rallying.

The 2007 PT Rally of Portugal will take place in the Algarve region of Portugal between 30 March – 1 April 2007. 

2007 FIA World Rally Championship

19-21 January – Rallye Automobile Monte -Carlo

9-11 February – Swedish Rally

16-18 February – Rally Norway

9-11 March – Rally Mexico

30 March-1 April – PT Rally de Portugal

4-6 May – Rally Argentina

18-20 May – Rally Italia-Sardinia

1-3 June – Acropolis Rally of Greece

3-5 August – Rally Finland

17-19 August – Rallye Deutschland

31 August-2 September – Rally New Zealand

5-7 October – Rallye de France – Tour de Corse

12-14 October – Rallye de Espana

26-28 October – Rally Japan

16-18 November – Rally Ireland

30 November-2 December – Rally GB