With its first edition dating back to 1967, at the time known as Rally Tap, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal has a long and prestigious list of winners, be it in terms of drivers, or makes and cars. This year we won't be witnessing any record breaks, although one of them might be equalled. Nevertheless, it is always worthwhile to go throughout the Vodafone Rally de Portugal Hall of fame.
Marku Alen is the unquestionable leader when it comes to victories on the Rally, with five: 1975, 77, 78, 81 and 87. And the truth is that he will remain the sole leader of this chart at least for another year, since among the present WRC drivers Sébastien Ogier is the one closest to the top. With three wins (2010, 2011 and 2012), the Frechman will have to be victorious in this year’s Rally and also in 2015 to equal Alen’s 27-year old record.
When it comes to countries, Finland and its “flying Fins” is the clear leader with 14 wins. In this field, as is the case on the drivers chart, the duel is also between Finland and France. French drivers are four victories behind and, taking into account Jari-Matti Latvala’s performance this year, the difference might even grow.
Meanwhile, the chart reserved to second placed drivers won’t be altered, something that cannot be said about the third places. Dani Sordo, just like Bjorn Waldegaard and Ove Andersson, has stood on the lowest step of the rostrum for three times and, if we consider the result of his teammate at Hyundai Motorsport, Thierry Neuville, in Mexico, the Spaniard might become the leader of this classification.
As far as makes are concerned, the 2014 Vodafone Rally de Portugal could represent the end of Lancia supremacy… At least mathematically. The manufacturer has eight victories in Portugal and should Citroën find the right arguments, it might equal the Italian make, a feat missed by the French in the last two years.
On the other hand, it will take quite a while to have a new leader on the chart dedicated to wins by cars. The Lancia Delta Integrale and the Fiat 131 Abarth share the lead with four victories each, meaning that models presently competing on the WRC must be running for at least two more years and, of course, ensure the win on this edition, as well as in 2015 and 2016 to share the top.
With its first edition dating back to 1967, at the time known as Rally Tap, the Vodafone Rally de Portugal has a long and prestigious list of winners, be it in terms of drivers, or makes and cars. This year we won't be witnessing any record breaks, although one of them might be equalled. Nevertheless, it is always worthwhile to go throughout the Vodafone Rally de Portugal Hall of fame.
Marku Alen is the unquestionable leader when it comes to victories on the Rally, with five: 1975, 77, 78, 81 and 87. And the truth is that he will remain the sole leader of this chart at least for another year, since among the present WRC drivers Sébastien Ogier is the one closest to the top. With three wins (2010, 2011 and 2012), the Frechman will have to be victorious in this year’s Rally and also in 2015 to equal Alen’s 27-year old record.
When it comes to countries, Finland and its “flying Fins” is the clear leader with 14 wins. In this field, as is the case on the drivers chart, the duel is also between Finland and France. French drivers are four victories behind and, taking into account Jari-Matti Latvala’s performance this year, the difference might even grow.
Meanwhile, the chart reserved to second placed drivers won’t be altered, something that cannot be said about the third places. Dani Sordo, just like Bjorn Waldegaard and Ove Andersson, has stood on the lowest step of the rostrum for three times and, if we consider the result of his teammate at Hyundai Motorsport, Thierry Neuville, in Mexico, the Spaniard might become the leader of this classification.
As far as makes are concerned, the 2014 Vodafone Rally de Portugal could represent the end of Lancia supremacy… At least mathematically. The manufacturer has eight victories in Portugal and should Citroën find the right arguments, it might equal the Italian make, a feat missed by the French in the last two years.
On the other hand, it will take quite a while to have a new leader on the chart dedicated to wins by cars. The Lancia Delta Integrale and the Fiat 131 Abarth share the lead with four victories each, meaning that models presently competing on the WRC must be running for at least two more years and, of course, ensure the win on this edition, as well as in 2015 and 2016 to share the top.