Kris Meeke proved that age is just a number. Last weekend, the 47-year-old driver returned to the European Rally Championship (ERC) for the first time in 20 years, in Wales. The result? He beat Teemu Suninen, who clinched the European title in the same rally, by 38.6 seconds. A clear statement that Meeke's speed has not faded.
This victory was not just nostalgia. Meeke, known for his aggressive and often spectacular driving style, showed that he can still compete at the highest level. Kris Meeke has never truly lost his competitive instinct, despite a long absence from the ERC stage. Beating Suninen, who is in top form, is concrete proof that his natural speed and experience remain highly relevant.
After that impressive performance, rumors began to swirl. Reports circulating online suggested that Meeke would also compete in the Rally Six Cities North of Portugal on 23–25 October. However, when contacted by DirtFish, Meeke stated that no deal had been reached yet. "I definitely want to be there. We are working on it, so we will see," he said.
Why Portugal? There are strong reasons. Meeke has an impressive track record in Portuguese rallies. Last year, he finished runner-up in the Portuguese Rally Championship, and in 2024 he won the title. The road conditions and terrain are very familiar to him. "I am very familiar with the roads there," he added. No wonder he is eager to return.
Interestingly, Meeke won the Portuguese title with Hyundai, but last year he switched to Toyota. Toyota is not an unfamiliar marque for him, as he also drove for the Japanese manufacturer in the WRC in 2019. Now, with Toyota, he has the chance to showcase his skills again on terrain he has mastered.
However, there is another dimension that makes Rally Portugal more than just the ERC season finale. In the wildest scenarios, Portugal has been suggested as a replacement for the under-threat Rally Saudi Arabia. The penultimate round of the WRC will be held in Sardinia on the first weekend of October, so the switch would be possible logistically and schedule-wise. Whether the organizers would be willing and ready to host rounds of two championships at the same time is, of course, another matter.
Regardless, Meeke's participation in the ERC round in Portugal would be a perfect stage to demonstrate his ability ahead of next season. If he wants to return to WRC level or get involved in development programs for new teams, a strong showing in Portugal could be a stepping stone. He may be 47, but his performance in Wales proved that his speed is still reliable. Toyota seems to still trust him. We will wait and see if that opportunity truly materializes.
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