Nearly 3,000 soldiers from the National Republican Guard, 550 marshals (security commissioners), Civil Protection and PSP will guarantee the security operation at this weekend’s 56th Rally of Portugal, the largest sporting event in the country.
Safety was the main theme of the press conference held on Tuesday at the Territorial Command of the GNR in Porto. Around 2,900 soldiers will ensure security and patrol conditions in the 20 stages of the event (19 timed tests and the Shakedown) from Thursday to Sunday, in addition to 550 marshals from the ACP and individuals from Civil Protection and the PSP.
The entire operation is designed to increase the number of spectators compared to recent years with the GNR reinforcing the need for collaboration by the general public.
“The objective of the Guard will be to guarantee security in the displacement, access and running of the biggest national sporting event, so that there is an air of public calm and complete safety,” said Major Hernâni Martins from the Communication and Public Relations division of the GNR. “We will have around 2,900 soldiers involved in the entire operation, an average of 700 per day. The Guard will act in a preventative way, but will be prepared for all circumstances. We expect many thousands of supporters, mainly Portuguese and Spanish.”
He called for respect for any instructions given out, an appeal reinforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Babo Nogueira, one of those responsible for the GNR operation on the ground. “We need everyone’s collaboration. The error of a single spectator can jeopardise the stage. If everything takes place within the safety rules, the stage will be a success. We remind you that the presence of the public is only allowed in the spaces provided – the Show Areas. We call for care with the causes of fire, although high temperatures are not expected. It is also very important to pay attention to the signage of hybrid vehicles - a red light is a danger of electrocution. It is necessary to wait for the green light before approaching the car.”
Horácio Rodrigues, race director of the Vodafone Rally of Portugal, also highlighted the importance of collaboration with the GNR and all security forces. He also alluded to the “great evolution” of the event in respect to the environment. “We don’t want to leave any traces, except for tyre marks on the road.”
The Show Zones are available here on interactive maps for the 56th Rally of Portugal