The WRC returns to gravel for the first time since 2021 with rallying superstars Sébastiens Loeb and Ogier set to compete at the 2022 Rally de Portugal and provide some veteran, hybrid era entertainment. Here is what to expect over the next few days of gravel rallying. 
The weekend-long rally will be based in the northwestern coastal city of Matosinhos where the event marks the WRC’s 50th season of existence. Considering Portugal was a founding member of the WRC in 1973, it is only appropriate that this has warranted parades and celebrations which include no less than 30 classic cars set to navigate their way through several stages. The half century running for the WRC also means that an all star lineup is in attendance with the event being the biggest ever gathering of champion drivers and co-drivers. 
A total of 100 crews are in contention for the 2022 Rally de Portugal with 12 priority 1 crews setting a record for most Rally1 cars to enter a stage. Of these competitors, French Sébastien superstars Loeb and Ogier are included after their season opening bout which saw veteran Loeb reign victorious in the M-Sport Puma Rally1. While both seasoned drivers proved their mettle closing the opening race with the first two spots of the podium, it has been Finn Kalle Rovanperä who has emerged victorious in both other WRC outings; the Rally Sweden and the Croatia Rally.
Watch some of the most memorable moments in previous editions of the rally here.
The 21 stage itinerary will commence this evening with a brand-new Coimbra superspecial stage which replaces the traditional Lousada test. Lousada will remain on the itinerary though, running at the end of an eight-stage Friday which is in the wilderness of Portugal. The 2022 Rally de Portugal will cover 338,34 km over the course of the weekend around the north and central portions of the country.
