World Rally Championship event winner Dani Sordo and former European Rally Champion Chris Ingram will star at next weekend’s Rally Series qualifier in Portugal.
Spaniard Sordo competes as a wildcard, driving against series regulars for the first time in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, while Ingram will take the wheel of the Rally Series Experience Car – a BMW M3 – to give passenger rides through the stages on the fourth of six Rally Series events.
Based in Castanheira de Pera, just south of Coimbra, the September 5/6 event follows a typical Rally Series formula, with Saturday dedicated to promotion, shakedown, car parades, autograph sessions, fan zones and plenty of family entertainment – all running out of the town’s central arena.
The arena also hosts four competitive stages on Sunday, with the addition of two runs through two iconic, historic, mountainous roads outside the town.
Rally Series provides stunning sporting action as well as a fan and family friendly atmosphere at every round
Hyundai factory driver Sordo said: “I’m very curious to experience the Rally Series format first-hand and understand everything that has been created around the competition. I really enjoy competing in Portugal and I’m very happy to be coming to Castanheira de Pera.
“I would like to thank the Municipality of Castanheira de Pera and Rally Series Promoter for the invitation and for making our participation possible. We want to enjoy the weekend, be close to the fans and, above all, put on a great show throughout the event.”
Ingram, who will drive strategic guests from the region’s government and tourism organizations as well as partners and sponsors, through the stages was equally keen to see Rally Series up close.
The Englishman added: “I am sure it will be a proper event, built in true Rally Series style. It is something very innovative for the future of rallying, with some incredible Tarmac stages.”
A Rally Series spokesperson said: “It’s great to have Dani and Chris with us for round four, which comes with the mythical name: O Neveiro e a Lã. We’re looking forward to another great event with eight competitive stages and more than 40 kilometres against the clock. As ever, the philosophy for Rally Series remains, with the rally happening on proper roads and the experience growing around it.”
