Kris Meeke – Stuart Loudon (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) had to settle for second at the Castelo Branco and Vila Velha de Ródão Rally after a time penalty.
In a battle that started hard with Dani Sordo – Cándido Carrera (Hyundai I20 N Rally2), the British duo from Toyota Gazoo Racing Caetano Portugal imposed their law during the afternoon and sealed the victory in the Power Stage.
After the disappointment of the Rally of Portugal, Meeke thought he returned to winning ways with an excellent performance. The battle with Sordo was once again a great one to watch, but the skill of Meeke and the GR Yaris Rally 2 made the difference.
A well-deserved triumph, or they thought so. After the final stage the team had to take a 15 second penalty which inherit the win to Dani Sordo.
Meeke won the last SS, 1.9 seconds ahead of Ricardo Teodósio – José Teixeira (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), who finished the rally in the best possible way (they showed some good performance in a race where they tried to find their car).
Armindo Araújo – Luís Ramalho (Skoda Fabia Rs Rally2) were the third fastest in the last stage of the day and thus secured third place overall, ahead of José Pedro Fontes – Inês Ponte (Citroen C3 Rally2). Armindo and Fontes put up an excellent fight for the podium, but the Skoda driver got the better of the last stages.
