The battle for WRC 3 honours in the two-wheel drive R2 category for cars powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged engines resumes in Portugal and two drivers are currently tied for the category lead.
Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Franceschi and Sweden’s Dennis Radstrõm have taken one win apiece so far this season in Corsica and Sweden, respectively, and a fourth position each to hold a joint lead in the series with 37 points. Swedish driver Emil Bergkvist is a mere four points behind, courtesy of second place in Sweden and third in Corsica.
Fourteen drivers are registered for WRC 3 points in Portugal and all of them are at the wheel of Ford Fiesta R2s. A similar number of drivers from 10 countries have also scored points in the series so far this year, with Italy’s Enrico Brazzoli the only non-Ford contender in the top five after securing victory in a Peugeot in Monte-Carlo.
Sweden’s Emil Bergvist and Frenchman Terry Folb will be hoping to close the gap on the category leaders when Portuguese action kicks off with a super special stage at the Lousada rally cross circuit on Thursday evening.
Bergvist is a mere four points adrift of the leading duo, while young Irishman Callum Devine is sure to challenge for the podium and the likes of Germany’s Julius Tannert, Estonian Ken Torn and Italy’s Luca Bottarelli will be looking towards a top finish.