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The Rally de Portugal is shaping up to be one of the biggest challenges of the World Rally Championship, with a format that promises "everything." Drivers face tough gravel stages, long periods without assistance, and changing weather, which intensifies the competition.
This edition features a significant change in the itinerary, following last year's criticism about the exhausting Friday stage that forced competitors to be 15 hours behind the wheel. The FIA has introduced mandatory rest periods, requiring a minimum of 10 hours a day to avoid extreme fatigue. With 344 km of stages and 1,500 km of liaison over four days, strategy becomes crucial.
Oliver Solberg from Toyota notes that the speed is high, but the risk of punctures and tire management will be decisive. Drivers must tackle three stages on Thursday and seven on Friday without full access to the service park, requiring a balance between speed and conservation. Jon Armstrong from M-Sport emphasizes that the new format forces a long-term mindset, as you can't be too cautious nor take excessive risks. The competition promises to be intense and full of surprises.
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