Defending world champion Thierry Neuville set the fastest time in the Rally Portugal shakedown stage held in Baltar, covering the 5.72-kilometre route in 3 minutes 51.2 seconds. Neuville edged Finland’s Sami Pajari by just 0.3 seconds after delivering an impressive performance on the gravel surface.
Rally Portugal is regarded as one of the toughest rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship due to its high-speed dusty tracks and challenging corners. The shakedown stage serves as the final opportunity for drivers and teams to test car setup and pace before the competitive stages begin.
