Portuguese presence will once again be a key feature of this year’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal, with a strong field of entries, particularly in the Rally2 category.
Among the fourteen drivers entered is Armindo Araújo, alongside Luís Ramalho in a Skoda Fabia RS. The driver has a strong connection to the Portuguese round, having already claimed victory on three occasions (2002, 2003 and 2006). Also noteworthy are José Pedro Fontes — the Portuguese driver with the longest participation in the Rally, having debuted in 1998 — as well as Ricardo Teodósio, Pedro Meireles and Rúben Rodrigues, all regular contenders among the national frontrunners.
The new generation is also well represented, with drivers such as Gonçalo Henriques, Pedro Almeida, Hugo Lopes and Diogo Marújo. Attention should also be given to Diogo Salvi, who returns to the Rally2 category in a Skoda Fabia RS alongside Gonçalo Cunha, after competing in 2025 in a Ford Puma Rally1 run by M-Sport. Completing the line-up are Paulo Neto, Ricardo Filipe and Tiago Silva, all in Skoda machinery, forming a competitive field over the four days of the event. In the Rally4 category, Portuguese representation will be carried by Hélder Miranda and Vítor Pereira in a Peugeot 208 Rally4.
In an event renowned for its sporting challenge, it is also worth noting that the Vodafone Rally de Portugal forms part of the Portuguese Rally Championship, with competition taking place between 7 and 8 May.