Most liked posts in thread: WRC: Rally de Portugal

The qualifier is done but there are diametrically opposed approaches taken by the top teams re Day 1 starting positions.

Opposing strategies for Ford and Citroën (best-of-rallylive.com)

 

Drivers miss out in Portugal (WRC.com)

 

Solberg admits he has reservations about plans to reduce dust by watering stages (AUTOSPORT.com)

 

Prodrive said they would bring their updated version of the MINI but it looks like only Sordo is using it, or at least he's the only one using the new front end treatment, with Sandell (blue & yellow) using the original. I'm trying to decide whether it looks like the skirt on the new apron is flexing or just already damaged in these photos.

 

Only one of you can be right… (MaxRally.com)

 

A maxi MINI for Sordo (best-of-rallylive.com)

 

Qualifying stage. Note the smart spectators have dust masks for this rally.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8n7H0QFl48]Qualifying stage - 2012 WRC Rally Portugal - Best-of-RallyLive.com - YouTube[/ame]

 

Local ace predicts tough time for Ford (MaxRally.com)

 

Sandell ready for Portugal battle (WRC.com)

 

The first stage is the only one run today in daylight. It's short and all asphalt, I think in a stadium? The next three stages run in the dark and on gravel (or dust from the looks of it). They're running Stage 1 in reverse championship standing order so the top runners go last but it's short and almost done. Stage 2 doesn't start until almost 4:30pm Eastern with the order from Stage 2 based on this year's new qualifying system.

 

Latvala warns Portugal's stages may spell end to night stages in the WRC (AUTOSPORT.com)

 

There's a mis-print in here, can't have 2 drivers in 5th unless they tied on time...they didn't, Sordo is 6th.

SS1: Solberg quickest on the streets of Lisbon (WRC.com)

 

It rained so much less dust than expected but still high drama on day 1.

SS2: Fords fly on first night stage (WRC.com)

Loeb crashes in Portugal (MaxRally.com)

 

First pic of Loeb's car. Driver and co-driver both reported to be ok but the rumor mill says they've already decided they won't re-start tomorrow.

 

Well there's your problem right there. The road turned right but Loeb turned left.

Matton confirms Loeb exit (WRC.com)

 

SS4: Tanak avoids the rain in Portugal (WRC.com)

 

Araujo vows to make up lost time (WRC.com)

 

Heckofa way to return to the rally for Sordo who wins Stage 5! He was nearly a minute faster than the nearest competitor.

SS5: Latvala in trouble as weather turns (WRC.com)

 

Day 2 is showing as much drama as Day 1.

Latvala stranded in Portugal (WRC.com)