Leece family commit to British Championship
With the pre-event recce complete, the drivers taking part in the 2005 PT-Rallye de Portugal have now had a chance to form their first impressions of the stages that will make up this year’s event. This will be the first time these roads have been used for a rally and as a result, driver reactions are eagerly anticipated.
One of the most famous names taking part this weekend (March 31-April 2) is triple World Rally Champion and double winner of the Portuguese event, Juha Kankkunen. “This is a very nice area,” commented the Finn. “It’s my first time to the Algarve and I was hoping to play a little golf but we’ve been too busy preparing for the event.
“The stages themselves are very nice, with a good surface. I expect that if it rains, they would become quite slippery and tricky but we will have to wait and see. The surface is quite similar to some of the southern stages from the previous event, such as Arganil, and not as soft as the more northern roads. The top surface is a little loose and sandy and I think they will clean quite a lot between the first and second running of each road – they will definitely be faster the second time round.
“The stages on the first day are quite twisty and slower than those on Leg 2 and they are also quite tricky in places. But the long stage, (SS8/11, Almodovar, 31.25Km) is a very nice one and I think that will be enjoyable.
“I have to say that this definitely has the feeling of the Portugal Rally I know – it’s nice to see so many familiar faces – but it has obviously moved forward a lot. I think this will be an interesting weekend for us – I have never driven a Group N rally car, so I think the guys who have experience with them will definitely have an advantage.”
Making his second trip to Portugal is Swede Daniel Carlsson, who took part in the 2001 Rally of Portugal and finds the roads very different in the south. “I have to say, I prefer the roads here to those farther north,” said Carlsson. “The base is harder, so hopefully they should cut up less. The stages are quite similar to those in Mexico, which is a good drivers’ rally – nice and flowing. The top surface on the stages can be quite aggressive, particularly on the second leg so it could be difficult on tyres.”
Echoing Carlsson’s comments is rising Finnish star, Mikko Hirvonen, visiting Portugal for the first time to take part in the event. “This is a lovely area and a very good time of year to run the event – the countryside is still very green and healthy. My first impression is that the stages are quite difficult – I think it will be a big challenge here. The first and second stages are a bit slower than the rest – similar to Greece or Sardinia perhaps – a bit twisty and narrow. But on the second leg, they get much wider and faster, with lots of crests into corners, which I love.
“Even on the slower, twister stages, they are the kind of roads where you can get a good rhythm, a good flow going. All the stages are based on hard-packed bedrock so hopefully they shouldn’t deteriorate too much. However, that does mean that if the weather is very warm, it could make life difficult for the tyres.
“There will probably be some loose rocks coming up as the event goes on, certainly in places. But needing more concentration are the areas where there are rocks at the side of the road. Here, you need to be very neat and tidy, as there’s no room for error.
“I last did a rally in a group N car three years ago, so it will take a little time to get used to its capabilities again. They’re heavier than what I’ve been used to recently and the brakes aren’t as powerful but it’s always fun to get behind the wheel of a rally car!”
