Roope Korhonen is aiming for a major result in the WRC2 championship battle as the World Rally Championship heads to Rally Portugal 2026 this weekend. The Finnish driver arrives with strong confidence following a positive gravel testing programme alongside co-driver Anssi Viinikka.
Korhonen will start the rally fourth in the WRC2 category. His season began strongly with victory in Sweden before continuing with a solid fifth-place finish on the asphalt stages of Croatia.
Rally Portugal is also a familiar event for Korhonen. Last season, the Finnish driver secured fourth place on the rough gravel roads of northern Portugal, giving him valuable experience for one of the championship’s most technically demanding rallies.
“It feels great to be back on gravel roads.”
“The tests went very well, and after finishing fourth last year, all the conditions for success are there.”
Technically, Rally Portugal remains one of the toughest challenges on the WRC2 calendar due to its rocky surfaces, constantly changing grip levels, and severe tyre degradation. Managing the racing line and tyre temperatures is critical to maintaining consistency throughout the rally.
Korhonen will also face strong competition in WRC2. Several major contenders are entered, including Teemu Suninen, Yohan Rossel, Gus Greensmith, and Andreas Mikkelsen.
“We will fight for victory.”
“But from a championship perspective, a podium finish would also be a very good result.”
Unlike last year’s extremely hot conditions, the 2026 edition of Rally Portugal is expected to take place in more moderate weather with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. The cooler conditions could help reduce stress on tyres and mechanical components throughout the gravel stages.
The Rally Portugal shakedown is scheduled for Wednesday before the main competition begins on Thursday with three opening special stages. Early stage results are expected to play a key role in shaping the WRC2 battle across the weekend.
Baca Juga
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Roope Korhonen menargetkan kemenangan WRC2 di Reli Portugal 2026 setelah tes gravel positif jelang seri WRC pekan ini.
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