Champion Al-Attiyah wins WRC 2 in Portugal

Reigning champion Nasser Al-Attiyah won the WRC 2 support category at Vodafone Rally de Portugal on Sunday to move top of the points table with two wins from two rallies.

Al-Attiyah, driving a Ford Fiesta RRC, headed Pontus Tidemand by 37.8sec, the Swede securing a podium finish for Skoda’s Fabia R5 car on its WRC debut. Julien Maurin completed the podium in another Fiesta RRC, almost three minutes off the lead.

Esapekka Lappi was originally placed second in another Fabia R5, just 12.0sec behind Al-Attiyah. But a five minute penalty for driving on the public road into service last night with only three turning wheels relegated the Finn to sixth.

“This was a new rally for everybody and there was no experience advantage for any driver,” said Al-Attiyah. “We were really strong and showed that we’re fast and I’m so happy to win again.”

Frenchman Maurin moved ahead of Stéphane Lefebvre, who struggled with worn tyres, and finished 17.3sec clear of his fellow countryman. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, winner of the previous round in Argentina, finished fifth ahead of Lappi.

The tough gravel roads of northern Portugal proved too much for many competitors and the event became one of attrition.

Frontrunners Karl Kruuda and Yazeed Al Rajhi both retired yesterday. Retirees today included pre-rally championship leader Jari Ketomaa, who crashed heavily after a jump, Anders Grondal, Eric Camilli and Australian champion Scott Pedder.