Although it marks the final round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, Fafe’s debut in the competition is expected to feature a highly attractive entry list, judging by information gathered by the Demoporto delegation that attended the penultimate round of the championship last weekend in Pravia, Asturias. Jari-Matti Latvala, winner of the Spanish rally with his Toyota Celica 4WD Turbo, has confirmed his presence in Fafe, as previously hinted by the FIA in one of its latest releases referring to the final two rounds of the season. The British Flexifly Rally Team, which usually fields a BMW M3 and two Ford Escort 1800s, has also confirmed its participation, although details have yet to be specified. Polish driver Maciej Lubiak (Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.0), who finished fourth in Asturias and currently sits in the championship’s top three, is another likely contender. Similarly, Spanish driver Antonio Sainz — brother of double World Rally Champion and Dakar winner Carlos Sainz — one of the most prominent figures in historic rallying in Spain, is considering competing in Fafe with the spectacular Subaru Impreza 555. Alberto Fraga Vilariño, also from Spain, assured the Demoporto staff he’ll be present with his Audi Quattro Sport E2. Still from Spain, Cosmos Racing will bring the ex-works Ford Escort RS Cosworth that was driven in Asturias by Belgian Bruno Thiry, a former Ford factory driver. Furthermore, contacts established with several competitors from the Spanish Historic Rally Championship suggest the possibility of additional entries. Entries close this Friday, October 24.
“The investment that Fafe City Council has been making over the years in rallying aims to bring the best events of each championship to its territory, and the opportunity to host international ones makes it even more appealing. Together with Demoporto, our long-time partner, we’ll make every effort to host the European Historic Rally Championship in Fafe and in Portugal. historic which has generated tremendous interest, both for the quality of the cars and for the skill of the drivers, some of them very well-known figures. It will be an honour and a great pleasure to host another international event from a championship of such significance within the FIA framework.” [Federação Internacional do Automóvel] said Parcídio Summavielle, vice-president of the municipality and a major driving force behind motorsport in the Minho region.
“This is a championship that allows cars up to the year 2000, which already includes many vehicles from different generations — iconic models we grew up seeing and that younger audiences will now get to ‘discover’. These are stunning cars, extraordinary machines, highly competitive and high-performing. Some less informed people might think this rally will be some kind of historic regularity event or a leisurely run, but that’s not the case. It will be a real rally, contested by top-level drivers behind the wheel of very fast cars. There’ll be a chance to see incredibly quick machines that, over the years, have become true icons — cars that once filled the dreams and passions of many enthusiasts. Without a doubt, many people will now feel the thrill of seeing those ‘devilish machines’ once again.”,concluded Parcídio Summavielle.
ChatGPT said: The Historic Rally Fafe will introduce several structural innovations, with the only stage held outside Fafe being Cabeceiras de Basto (10.70 km), taking place in the municipality of the same name on an entirely new route. Other changes include the combination of the Montim and Vila Pouca stages, now connected via the EN 206 road. The Vila Cova stage also brings something new — its first half is completely redesigned and will make its debut this year, before joining a previously used section known as Monte.
While the Anjos/Gontim stage (14.04 km) remains identical to the version used in 2020, when the rally was part of the European Championship, the Queimadela stage will feature a new ending section, connecting to the EN 207 (Fafe–Póvoa de Lanhoso) road. Meanwhile, the Várzea Cova stage (10.74 km) remains unchanged from previous years.
The event will officially start on Thursday with the shakedown, which will take place on the Gontim stage, but in the opposite direction — starting in Pedraído and finishing at Lagoa
Drivers entered in the Northern Regional Championship will compete only in the second-leg stages on Saturday.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY (6 novembro)
Shakedown – Gontim (3,03 km) 14h00/18h00
FRIDAY (7 novembro)
Partida (Câmara Municipal de Fafe) 09h30
Assistência (Praça da Feira Velha) 09h37/09h52
PEC 1 – Montim/Vila Pouca 1 (13,12 km) 10h17
PEC 2 – Cabeceiras 1 (10,70 km) 11h55
PEC 3 – Anjos/Gontim (14,04 km) 12h48
Reagrupamento (Praça da Feira Velha) 13h33/13h43
Assistência (Parque da Cidade) 13H49/14h19
PEC 4 – Montim/Vila Pouca 2 14h44
PEC 5 – Cabeceiras 2 16h22
PEC 6 – Anjos/Gontim 2 17h15
Assistência (Praça das Comunidades) 18h01/18h46
Parque Fechado (Praça da Feira Velha) 18h54
SATURDAY (8 novembro)
Partida (Praça da Feira Velha) 09h30
Assistência (Praça da Comunidades) 09h37/09h52
PEC 7 – Várzea Cova 1 (10,74 km) 10h22
PEC 8 – Queimadela/Travassós 1 (8,98 km) 11h06
PEC 9 – Vilacova 1 (7,66 km) 11h50
Reagrupamento (Praça da Feira Velha) 12h32/12h42
Assistência (Praça das Comunidades) 12h49/13h19
PEC 10 – Várzea Cova 1 13h49
PEC 11 – Queimadela/Travassós 2 14h33
PEC 12 – Vila Cova 2 15h17
Parque Fechado (Praça da Feira Velha) 15h17
