Dani Sordo to tackle Rali Serras de Fafe with an i20 R5

The crew will join the gravel rally, the first round of the Portuguese national championship, as part of their preparations for Rally México. The competition – just two weeks before the Léon-based event – will give the Spanish duo an opportunity to focus on finding a rhythm in driving and working together, ahead of their seasonal WRC debut.

The outing will be their second in an i20 R5, following on from a podium finish in last year’s Rally Barum in their first appearance with the car. Having proved the performance of the machine on tarmac stages the weekend in Portugal will be their first time driving the i20 R5 on a loose surface – another aspect of the rally that should ready them for the conditions in Mexico. The extra preparation of an event in the R5 should ensure that they begin their 2019 in the WRC car on the pace, able to make the most of the potential advantage presented to them by their relatively high road position for the opening day.