The Portugal Rally, a long-standing fixture on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, will not feature in the 2027 season. The event, which was scheduled to take place from May 13 to 16, was set to move its base from Matosinhos to Viseu. However, organizers confirmed that the rally will not go ahead next year due to changes made to the WRC schedule. The changes aim to make the championship more geographically diverse and intercontinental.
The Portugal Rally has been a part of the WRC since its inception in 1973. It dropped off the calendar in 2002 but returned as a regular fixture in 2007. The event's absence from the 2027 calendar marks the end of a long run on the championship. According to the Automobile Club of Portugal, discussions have already begun with the WRC Promoter to assess the possibility of the Portugal Rally returning to the championship in 2028.
The changes to the WRC schedule are intended to increase the championship's geographical diversity and intercontinental reach. The Portugal Rally is among the events affected by these changes. The full 2027 WRC calendar has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to include several changes. New events, such as Rally Scotland and a potential Rally USA, are being considered for inclusion.
The Automobile Club of Portugal has expressed its disappointment at the Portugal Rally's exclusion from the 2027 calendar. However, the club is working closely with the WRC Promoter to explore the possibility of the rally's return in 2028. The Portugal Rally has a long history and a strong following, making it a valuable addition to the WRC calendar.
The WRC calendar shake-up is part of the championship's ongoing evolution. The changes aim to make the championship more appealing to fans and more competitive for drivers. The Portugal Rally's exclusion from the 2027 calendar is a significant change, but the event's potential return in 2028 offers hope to fans.
The 2027 WRC calendar is expected to be confirmed soon. The new calendar will feature several changes, including the addition of new events and the exclusion of others. The Portugal Rally's absence from the 2027 calendar is a significant change, but the event's history and popularity make it a strong contender for a return in 2028.
The Portugal Rally's exclusion from the 2027 WRC calendar is a significant change to the championship. However, the event's potential return in 2028 offers hope to fans. The WRC calendar shake-up is part of the championship's ongoing evolution, and the changes aim to make the championship more appealing to fans and more competitive for drivers.
Key points
- The Portugal Rally will not feature in the 2027 World Rally Championship calendar due to changes aimed at increasing geographical diversity and intercontinental reach.
