Rally de Portugal has solidified its status as one of the most iconic and essential events in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), with its place on the calendar now confirmed through to 2028. Following a thrilling 2025 edition that drew hundreds of thousands of spectators and showcased the full spectacle of top-level rallying, the event continues to receive full backing from the WRC’s governing bodies.
Often referred to as a crown jewel in the WRC, Rally de Portugal has managed to blend tradition with modern motorsport dynamics, offering an event that is both technically demanding for drivers and immensely popular with fans. The recent announcement to extend the rally’s tenure on the WRC calendar was met with widespread excitement across the motorsport community, reaffirming the event’s importance not just to Portugal, but to rallying globally.
First introduced in the inaugural WRC season back in 1973, Rally de Portugal quickly earned its place among the sport’s elite events. While the rally was temporarily absent from the calendar between 2002 and 2006, it returned with renewed vigour and has since grown into a fan favourite. Its current base in Matosinhos, in Portugal’s northwest, provides easy access to some of the most iconic gravel stages in the sport, including the legendary Fafe and Arganil.
What truly sets Rally de Portugal apart is its passionate fan base. Each year, tens of thousands of spectators line the gravel roads, creating an atmosphere that is both electric and intimate. From the hilltop jumps in Fafe to the rugged climbs of the Portuguese interior, the fans are ever-present, braving the elements to witness the world’s best drivers battle against terrain and time. Their enthusiasm is more than just support it’s a defining element of the rally itself.
The event’s popularity is matched by its organizational excellence. A major factor in the rally’s long-term success is the unity and collaboration behind the scenes. It takes coordinated efforts from local municipalities, national tourism bodies, and the national motorsport authority to stage an event of this scale. Strong leadership has been central to maintaining those partnerships and ensuring smooth logistics, safety, and top-tier competition year after year.
This spirit of cooperation has not only enhanced the sporting quality of the event but also turned it into a powerful economic engine. Beyond the stages and service parks, Rally de Portugal generates significant economic activity, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the regions it visits. For many towns in Portugal’s interior, the rally is a major annual highlight that brings international attention and tangible financial benefits.
The WRC Promoter has consistently praised the rally’s organization and the passion it inspires, noting its importance not just for the championship’s sporting narrative but for its promotional appeal as well. Rally de Portugal manages to strike a rare balance: staying true to its gritty, demanding roots while offering a spectacle that is broadcast-ready and globally appealing.
With its position in the WRC calendar now secured through 2028, Rally de Portugal stands as a symbol of rallying’s enduring appeal. The combination of history, passion, and impeccable organization makes it more than just another stop on the calendar it’s a cornerstone of the sport. And for fans and drivers alike, the promise of more unforgettable moments on Portuguese gravel is something to celebrate.
