Toyota Gazoo Racing targets gravel glory in Portugal

Toyota Gazoo Racing targets gravel glory in Portugal
Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team heads to Rally de Portugal this week aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak in the 2026 season. The classic gravel event, which runs from May 7-10, serves as a major test of durability and speed on the fast, technical roads near Porto.
Leading the charge for the team is Takamoto Katsuta, who looks to build on his strong start to the season. While he won’t be the very first car on the road, Katsuta will still face the challenge of sweeping the loose surface as the second driver into the stages.
The rally features a revised schedule this year, with competitive action beginning on Thursday. This includes two gravel tests near Aveiro and a street-based super special in Figueira da Foz before the traditional, grueling loops around Arganil and Fafe.
Takamoto Katsuta said:
“Portugal is a rally I really like: the atmosphere is always amazing, the stages suit me quite well and we’ve had some good results there in the past. This year, I think it’s going to be a very tough event as well. Even though I will not be running first on the road this time, to be second can still be quite tricky, and this year’s route could be quite demanding in this respect, with proper gravel stages already on Thursday as well as Friday. Depending on the weather, it may not be an easy rally, but I will try my best like always to get a good result.”

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