Метка: Rally Portugal

The rally test that could provide motorsport’s fossil free fuel «end game» solution

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Zero, a synthetic fuel producer headed up by former McLaren, Mercedes and Williams Formula 1 technical chief Paddy Lowe and Professor Nilay Shah, is gearing up to test its synthetic fuel in the motorsport sphere for the first time this autumn.

The company, founded in 2020, is set to fuel a 2B Motorsport-run Porsche 991 rally car driven by Gwen Lagrue, Mercedes F1’s driver development advisor, in the French Rally Championship. This is the latest step of its current motorsport sponsorship partnerships that also includes an arrangement with the Sauber F1 team.

This is the next stage in the development of the synthetic fuel that Lowe hopes will become not only widely used in Formula 1 and other motorsport categories but as a mobility power solution in the future.

Motorsport is making moves to improve its sustainability with the World Rally Championship pioneering the use of 100% sustainable fuel, becoming the first FIA world championship to adopt such measures, while F1 is aiming for its grid to be powered by 100% sustainably sourced fuel in 2026. Completely synthetic fuels are yet to make a motorsport breakthrough.

«We haven’t got to that stage of let’s say performance analysis on a particular vehicle but that will come in the next phase now. The closest we got to that is in aviation actually. We secured the Guinness World Record in 2021 for the first aircraft powered by synthetic fuel and that was a plane flown by a test pilot from the RAF,» Lowe told Motorsport.com.

«I guess this [rally test] is a ground-breaking moment and we will see that in the autumn,» he added. «Gwen won first time out since we started the sponsorship so let’s see if he can do the same with our fuel on board, that would be a great result.

«This is a step in our partnership there in the French Rally Championship. We are not yet fuelling that car but that is something we will be doing from the autumn and then step by step we will move up to the point of having a wider adoption of our fuels in that sport of rallying in general.

Guanyu Zhou, Kick Sauber, Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber, Paddy Lowe

Guanyu Zhou, Kick Sauber, Valtteri Bottas, Kick Sauber, Paddy Lowe

Photo by: Zero

«I love rallying. Actually, that was my first engagement through motorsport through the Safari Rally as that used to come past my house in Africa.»

Zero has since grown to a staff of 53 employees, attracting engineers from Formula 1 in the process. It is currently developing and producing synthetic gasoline, aviation fuel and diesel and last year opened its first plant in Bicester with the next goal to produce fuel on a commercial scale. The fuel itself is created through a process of creating hydrocarbons from scratch from air and water to create a completely clean fuel that has zero impact on the environment.

While the fuel is yet to make its first steps into competitive motorsport, Lowe is hopeful that synthetic fuels could become prominent in the industry within two to three years. He also confirmed that the company has started discussions regarding the possibility of supplying championships and teams in the future.

«All motorsports are interesting, and we are having a conversation with a range of motorsports rather than just Formula 1,» Lowe added.

«We are having conversations with a number of the stakeholders in the sport around fuels and contributions for those fuels for 2026.

«That is part of our trajectory, and we believe we can bring some important components to the championships in 2026. We know how teams reach out for every last millisecond of performance and we want to be in that game.

«Formula 1 is where we hope to land and that may be most likely in partnership actually because we don’t pretend to have the scale and the funding and the support that comes from a large multi-national. We will take one step at a time.

«We are focused entirely on this synthetic solution, and we are really happy to see motorsports are adopting sustainable fuels but we are pioneering the end game let me call it with synthetics.»



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Neuville tames Super Special to claim early lead

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


The Hyundai driver managed to navigate through the 2.94km beachside asphalt stage, 0.6s faster than nearest rival Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier.

Without a service before tomorrow morning’s gravel stages, crews were forced to tackle the spectator test in tyre saving mode to protect rubber for Friday’s stages.

“It is difficult weekend ahead of us [starting first on the gravel roads tomorrow]. We tried to be clean and I don’t know if it was too much or not,” said Neuville.

“I don’t want be the one who brings down the great atmosphere we have here but a stage like this with donuts and 70 kilometres ahead of us with the same tyres is absolutely nonsense.

“There are lots of spectators around and I hope they saw something, but I think we can do much better.”

Ogier was among a chorus of drivers who shared Neuville’s view on the positioning of the stage in the itinerary.

“I tried to [be easy on the tyres]. I’m sure everyone has said that is not clever to ask us to do a tarmac stage where we have to drive slow and not make a show,” said Ogier.

“This kind of stage has to be at the end of a loop, then we come here and we kill the gravel tyres and the fans love it.”

Dani Sordo, Candido Carrera, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Dani Sordo, Candido Carrera, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Austral / Hyundai Motorsport

Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta and Hyundai’s Ott Tanak posted identical times to slot into tied third, 0.4s ahead of reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera, who clearly adopted a tyre saving driving style.

M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux was sixth fastest [+3.1s] and will head into tomorrow’s stages having gambled on taking only one spare wheel.

“Sometimes you need to take risks to gain some time,” said Fourmaux of his tyre choice. “To be fair we are quite confident with our tyre choice, and we are just trying to save the tyres tonight. I’m third on the road so I’m not expecting much tyre wear tomorrow.”

Seven-time Portugal podium finisher Dani Sordo, making his first start of the season, was seventh for Hyundai [+4.1s], ahead of title contender Toyota’s Elfyn Evans [+4.3s], who was among those that attempted to save his rubber.

In WRC2, Yohan Rossel set the pace, 1.1s faster than five-time WRC rally winner Kris Meeke, competing in a rare outing in rallying’s top championship. Oliver Solberg was third in class, a further 0.5s in arrears.

The rally continues on Friday with eight gravel stages scheduled, punctuated by a tyre fitting zone at midday.

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WRC drivers expect Portugal to deliver «most competitive» victory fight

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


This weekend marks the start of the traditional gravel rally season welcoming the strongest Rally1 field of the season to date, comprising five previous Portugal winners.

Toyota has elected to field both its part-time drivers in the same event for the first time, with reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time Portugal winner (2022, 2023), alongside Sebastien Ogier, who has triumphed on an event record-equalling five occasions (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017).

The team’s title hopeful Elfyn Evans stood on the top step of the podium in 2021, while Hyundai championship rivals Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak tasted victory in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

To add to the mix is Hyundai’s third driver Dani Sordo, who has seven Portugal podiums under his belt, ahead of his first start of the season.

Road position is often vital in Portugal due to the road-sweeping effect of the dusty gravel stages. Starting seventh and fifth on the road respectively, Rovanpera and Ogier have emerged among the early favourites.

Rovanpera is already expecting a closely fought battle for victory and is relishing the prospect of starting lower down the order.

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

«I have a feeling that this rally is going to be a really tight battle for the win, so let’s see but I’m sure it is going to be a tough one,» Rovanpera told Motorsport.com.

«It is nice to be in the mix and finally after a few years, we have a good starting road position so it will be crucial to use it well. It is always nice when you have a good battle. You need to come out of on top to feel good, but that is my job.»

For Ogier, this will be his first gravel rally since the Acropolis last September and the eight-time world champion believes there will be «no time to adapt».

«Of course, myself, Kalle and Takamoto [Katsuta] have very good starting positions and the plan is to make as many points as we can,» Ogier told Motorsport.com. «We have seen recently that points differences are difficult to make up so every time you can have the strongest line-up you can it is good to take it.

«I would not necessarily focus on Kalle right now but there is a high probability that he will be the man to beat starting from the back.

«From my side, I hope to be able to compete too even if I have had a bit of a longer break since my last gravel rally. I have to be as sharp as I can early on in the rally as we know the fight will be tight and there will be no room to just adapt to anything.»

The top two in the championship, Neuville and Evans will face the worst of the conditions and with points now awarded at the end of Saturday the pair face a challenge to maximise their points hauls. Neuville admitted that it is likely the duo will be involved in their own private battle.

«We have to have a consistent Friday and Saturday and we will end up where we end up,» said Neuville. «Then after we have to hope for a better road position for Sunday which will allow us to fight for the 12 extra points.

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Austral / Hyundai Motorsport

Evans also isn’t expecting to benefit from any team orders from Toyota who traditionally avoid such tactics.

«It is what it is. It has been quite clear for some time [on team orders], said Evans. «You have to drive for the points. I have to focus on trying to do a good job and that’s it.»

Meanwhile, sitting fourth in the championship and without a podium this season so far, Hyundai’s Tanak is primed to attack on a surface that has yielded 12 of his 19 WRC wins.

«I feel more comfortable here so I definitely will attack and try to maximise and take everything out that I can. It is the big target,» Tanak told Motorsport.com.

«I would say more or less, it will be one of the most competitive rallies this year for sure. It is also a rally about pure performance. Some sections it is getting really rough, and some are nice and smooth. It will really show how the car is. It will be really interesting to see where we are.»

The 22-stage rally begins on Thursday night.

Watch: Vodafone Rally de Portugal Shakedown highlights



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Toyota not “expecting too many changes” to WRC technical rules for 2025

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


The WRC is currently gripped by discussions over the technical rules for next year after teams strongly opposed the FIA’s proposal to make changes to Rally1 and Rally2 cars in a bid to boost entry numbers at events.

The FIA intends to remove hybrid power from Rally1 cars and further reduce the performance of the vehicles by modifying the rear wing and the air restrictor. The WRC manufacturers wrote a letter to the FIA last month requesting the current rules stay in place until the end of 2026.

A dossier is currently being worked on that will be submitted to the FIA which will then make a final decision on regulations, that will be communicated at the World Motor Sport Council on June 11.

According to Toyota boss Latvala, more discussions will be held at Rally Portugal this weekend, but the Finn believes technical changes are likely to be limited for next year. 

“I think there will be some meetings here and step by step things are developing and going forward,” Latvala told Motorsport.com.

“I hope by the end of this month we start to know where we are. If I have understood the focus is more on the bigger picture overall, regulations for 2027.

“All the manufacturers have come together saying we shouldn’t change so much, and I don’t expect too many changes for next year. This is the expectation, but nothing is decided.

“If we think the short term, of course, we want all the teams to commit to the championship and we don’t want it to get too expensive in the short term. Knowing the regulations for 2027 is more important now than changing things for 2025.”

Latvala is also feeling positive regarding the discussions over the 2027 regulations, which are yet to be officially ratified.

The FIA has however provided a framework that would see the Rally1 class based around the current Rally1 concept but will produce approximately 330 horsepower.  These vehicles will use a common safety cell to reduce costs and allow manufacturers and tuners to develop cars with their own bodywork based on production models from the B-class, C-Class and compact SUV segments or a Concept Car designed to tight technical criteria.

“I know that the discussions [for 2027] are ongoing and I’m positive,” Latvala added. “It is looking good, but things are going forward slowly, and I think the sooner we have more information, of course, will be better.”

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Gravel season “definitely” an opportunity for Tanak to ignite WRC title bid

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


The Hyundai driver heads to Portugal this week — which marks the start of the WRC’s traditional gravel season — sitting fourth in the championship and 33 points adrift of championship leader and team-mate Thierry Neuville.

After uncharacteristic errors in Monte Carlo and Sweden, Tanak showed signs of his pace in Kenya before an unfortunate crash from second position. Despite struggling with the balance of his i20 N in Croatia last month, Tanak picked up his biggest points haul of the season, claiming 20 points from the new scoring system after finishing fourth overall.

But a move to gravel is seen as a chance for Tanak to show his potential having scored 12 of his 19 WRC wins on the surface, starring behind the wheel of the i20 N back in 2022.

“It is definitely the opportunity now [to score points] and I really hope that we find a good feeling in the car, and obviously we haven’t been driving on gravel for a long time,” Tanak told Motorsport.com.

“Safari was very specific but basically the test will be our first feeling on gravel and hopefully we can make it work and be competitive in Portugal.

“Like I said Safari is very unique and very rough, so the cars are quite different when we go to Portugal, so let’s see how we compare.”

Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images

Tanak should also benefit from the road order, starting fourth while Neuville will likely face the worst of the conditions acting as road sweeper. The Belgian is hoping for rain to ease the pain of road-cleaning but is expecting a tough weekend.

Watch: Vodafone Rally de Portugal Trailer

“I’m happy to still be in the lead at least keep our advantage because there is no secret that from Portugal on it is going to be tough for us with several gravel rallies in a row,” Neuville told Motorsport.com.

“Other than really heavy rain and lots of difficult circumstances, it will be tough for us to score many points at least on Friday and Saturday, maybe on Sunday we could be a bit better if we have a better road position.

“In Portugal we are leading the championship and opening the road. We have Kalle [Rovanpera] in seventh on the road [Sebastien] Ogier in fifth and Tanak fourth, so what can you do.

“The car has improved a lot, but we still have some work left. The Toyotas are very quick at such events, but like always we keep trying.”

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2025 WRC Rally1 prototype “not so exciting” after first test

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Evans was offered a brief taste of the future when he piloted a modified Toyota GR Yaris during his pre-event Croatia Rally test last month.

Fan vision captured from the test showcased the GR Yaris running with revised aerodynamics centred around the rear wing, which appeared to conform to the FIA’s proposed 2025 regulations. It is understood Toyota is the only team that has attempted to create and test a 2025 prototype.

The FIA intends to reduce the performance of Rally1 cars for next season by removing hybrid power alongside a reduction in aero and air restrictor, to bring the cars more in line with Rally2 vehicles. This combined with a proposed upgrade kit for Rally2 cars is hoped to create a larger entry of competitors to battle at the sharp end of rallies next year.

The new regulations have been strongly opposed by WRC teams and drivers, with the former requesting the current rules stay in place until the end of 2026.

Asked for his opinion on the car following the test, Evans was blunt in his response stating it was “as expected” before elaborating further.

“I can tell you that it was not so exciting,” he said.

“I started and finished my run, so I guess if that is your definition of driveable, then I guess it was.”

Pressed on if this is the right direction for the WRC next year, he replied: “My opinion is quite clear.”

The FIA is understood to be working on a compromise with teams regarding the 2025 technical regulations, which could be communicated to stakeholders this month, before June’s World Motor Sport Council meeting. 

FIA road sport director Andrew Wheatley offered further details of the proposed rule changes for 2025 during a media roundtable in Croatia. 

“At the start of the five-year Rally1 process it was very clear that the hybrid element was a three-year contract, and that is what we have with [supplier] Compact Dynamics, but we are not changing the concept of Rally1,” he said. 

“The only discussion we are having about changing Rally1 is to modify the rear wing. We want to take one plane of the rear wing off, we will keep the top plane.

“The changes are half of the spoiler, it is removing the hybrid unit, and it is compensating the weight difference, which means a smaller restrictor so effectively the power to weight ratio is negated.”

 
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Toyota shuffles its WRC manufacturer points scorers for Portugal

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Reigning constructor world champions Toyota will field both its part-time drivers in the same event for the first time this season in Portugal next week as it looks to widen its seven-point gap over Hyundai in the championship.

As a result, Toyota has nominated current world champion Rovanpera and eight-time world champion Ogier to score manufacturer points alongside this year’s title contender Elfyn Evans. Rovnapera has won the previous two Portugal WRC rounds, while Ogier is a five-time winner of the event – sharing the record for the most victories with Markku Alen. It means the team’s other full-time driver Katsuta will be fighting purely for driver points on Portugal’s gravel roads.     

Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala stated at the start of the season that the manufacturers crown was the team’s first objective and says the championship’s new points system has made harder to make an impact. 

“It will be great to have all four of our drivers with us in Portugal. This year we wanted to bring them all together on at least one rally and this was a good opportunity to do it,” said Latvala.

“With the new points system, it’s been difficult to make big differences in the manufacturers’ championship so far. In Portugal we will have three drivers that have won the event before, plus Taka who has also been very fast, so it’s a strong line-up for this rally.

“Kalle has been very successful there the last two years, while Seb has won it five times before. Elfyn’s road position could be more challenging, but he just needs to keep concentrating on maximising his points against his championship rivals.

“Taka has also been driving very well and has the capability to fight for the podium. But we know the competition will be strong and I’m sure it will be another big fight for the top positions in Portugal.”

While Katsuta says he won’t have the “stress” of fighting for manufacturer points, the Japanese driver has a podium in his sights having come close on two occasions in the past, finishing fourth in 2021 and 2022.

“Portugal is basically my favourite rally of course and I will try to do my best,” Katsuta told Motorsport.com.

“I’m not scoring points for the team so there will be no stress and no pressure. I will try to do the maximum that I can.

“My main target is to get a podium as I have finished fourth twice there. If the pace is really good all weekend I will try to push as much as I can.”

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