The Abu Dhabi Total WRT teams return to action in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the Rally de Portugal.
For Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson, Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle and Stephane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau, it will be the first competitive outing in three months since Rally Sweden.
First held in 1973, Rally de Portugal quickly established itself as one of the legendary rounds, thanks both to the beauty of its stages and the enthusiasm of the fans. Since the rally returned to the Porto region last year, the Fafe stage has become one of the icons of the WRC.
This Sunday morning, thousands of fans are expected to gather near to the famous jump to cheer as every crew comes through.
For the Abu Dhabi Total WRT, this rally will be its first gravel round of the season. Up against drivers and teams that have acclimatised to gravel in Mexico and Argentina, the crews will have a tough job on their hands.
Although he has been away from competitive action, Citroen Racing driver Kris Meeke took part in recce at the overseas rounds, but has also been busy with the start of development work on the World Rally Car he will be driving in 2017.
Following seven days of testing in a significantly more powerful and efficient car, Meeke will have to start by finding his bearings again.
Fourth here in 2015, he will undoubtedly be one of the contenders for a podium spot, as he was in Monte-Carlo and Sweden.
Sheikh Khalid, who recently finished seventh in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, said: “This year, the stages are the same and I hope to enjoy myself. It’s nonetheless seven months since I last competed on gravel in the WRC, as my last race was back at Rally de Espana.
“I think it’ll be difficult but we’ll do our very best to find the right feeling and result.”
