At 17.30 hrs Rally Portugal officially started with the spectacular Super Special Stage of 2.03 km.
The Algarve Stadium hosted approximately 20.000 spectators and the fans where loud.
A cheerful and absorbing atmosphere was the frame of the first stage of the rally. The 80 crews taking part in the race were challenging in couples on two laps of the circuit.
The stage has been won by Gronholm (Ford) followed by Sordo (Citroen), Solberg (Subaru) and Loeb (Citroen) same time, Gigi Galli was 8th.
“During the Shakedown we tested two different types of tyres one with a harder compound an another one with a softer one, tomorrow we’ll decide which one to use” said Pierfrancesco Zanchi team manager of Aimont racing Team “Gigi is motivated and we are all confidents”
The Super Special Stage of this evening has been really amusing” said Gigi Galli “and the support of the fans really great. The real race is going to start tomorrow, but I’m confident and satisfied with the car and the Pirelli tyres”
Tomorrow Friday March 30th the continuation of the first leg will start at 09.30 and finishes at 18.15. The leg comprise 6 special stages for a total of 122,79 timed kilometers.
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