Vatanen and co-driver Joonas Ojala are gearing up for a major milestone as they prepare to compete on gravel in a Rally2 car for the very first time in their careers. This golden opportunity serves as their well-deserved reward for capturing the prestigious M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy title, paving the way for a crucial step up in the competitive rallying hierarchy.
Entering the upcoming event with high spirits, Vatanen acknowledges that there is a steep learning curve ahead regarding both the sophisticated machinery and the unique demands of the rally itself. The traditional three-day event held around Fafe has storied roots, having featured prominently in both the European Rally Championship and World Rally Championship over successive eras.
This year, the classic fixture takes on the mantle of closing out the ERC season, presenting competitors with a demanding itinerary featuring just over 180 kilometers of timed special stages. For Vatanen, this weekend marks his maiden competitive appearance in Portugal, prompting extensive off-track preparations that included reviewing onboard footage from previous editions.
"We are heading there full of anticipation, and we will try to do our best and improve behind the wheel of the new car. The aim is to get better as the rally progresses. I believe that after the opening stages, we will see where our pace stands," Vatanen stated, outlining his methodical approach to the opening leg of the rally.
Commenting on the expected track conditions, the Finnish prospect noted the technical nature of the Iberian stages. "The roads can be soft and will probably become rutted. It is sure to be an interesting route, but we will only get a clear idea of what the roads are like after the recce," Vatanen explained regarding the upcoming reconnaissance sessions.
Adopting a sensible strategy for his gravel debut in higher-class machinery, Vatanen emphasizes consistency and rapid progression over reckless charging. The official pre-event test will offer vital telemetry and feedback on how the heavier, more powerful car behaves on loose surfaces. "We will drive with our heads. The pre-event test will give us our first taste of the bigger car on gravel, and after that we will start to understand how hard we can push. Of course, if the test leaves us feeling good, we will put our foot down and go for it," Vatanen concluded.
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