The Intercontinental Rally Challenge reconvened at full strength after its somewhat diluted run in Kenya. Skoda were making a comeback with the Fabia, but as they are not competing in many rounds in 2009, Briton Kris Meeke was understandably cautious about challenging them for the victory in Portugal.

Meeke showed maturity and consistency as he led from early on and ultimately closed the rally out to claim another win in his quest to become the IRC Champion in 2009. Juho Hanninen had set some fast times early in the first day, but he fell back after colliding with some rocks which damaged his suspension. Defending champion Nicolas Vouilloz could not find the pace to match Meeke, who closed the first day with a comfortable lead. Czech star Jan Kopecky started to push Meeke on day two, but Meeke responded well and closed the day out to seal his second victory of the season so far. Giandomenico Basso was forced to retire early on day two with suspension damage, and left the Abarth honours in the hands of Anton Alen who spun out of fourth on the penultimate stage.

The next events of note are a double header of tin-top action with the British Touring Car Championship at Donington Park, and the world Touring Car Championship at Pau in France. The two meetings run in parallel from 15th to the 17th May 2009.

Results

  Rallying

    IRC

      Final Positions (Top 8)
        1. Meeke
        2. Kopecky
        3. Vouilloz
        4. Loix
        5. Peres
        6. Wittmann
        7. Rautenbach
        8. Moura