The driver from Lleida and his co-driver, Txema Villalobos, contested the prologue of the Portuguese event, where suspended dust was the main factor and demanded maximum concentration from all participants.
The Repsol Toyota Rally Team will tackle the first stage this Wednesday, September 24, covering a total of 426 kilometers, 302 of them against the clock, in a loop around Grândola.
“We’re happy with this start in Portugal. It was a very short special, with a lot of dust, very different from last year’s. The car is running well, and we have everything ready for the first stage.”
The 2025 Portugal Rally Raid is now underway. On Tuesday, September 23, the prologue was held — a short section used to establish the starting order for the first stage. In this brief shakedown of just 5 timed kilometers, run next to the bivouac in Grândola, Isidre Esteve and his co-driver, Txema Villalobos, reacquainted themselves with the Toyota Hilux T1+, debuting its new Repsol livery at this event.
Dust dominated the stage, which served only as an appetizer for the days ahead. With minimal gaps separating most competitors, the Repsol Toyota Rally Team duo finished 22nd in the Ultimate category.
“We’re pleased with this start in Portugal. It was a very short stage, with a lot of dust, very different from last year when we faced plenty of mud. The car is working well, and we’re fully ready for the first stage. Tomorrow the real competition begins, so let’s go,” Esteve commented.
The Portuguese round, the fourth and penultimate event of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), marks the beginning of the team’s 2026 project. With five long days of racing still ahead, including two stages on Spanish soil, the driver from Oliana begins his preparation here for the upcoming 2026 Dakar Rally — supported by Repsol, MGS Seguros, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Spain, and KH-7 — with the clear goal of once again taking on the best in the Ultimate class.
The real action kicks off this Wednesday, September 24, with the first full stage: a loop around Grândola featuring two timed sections. The day will total 426 kilometers, including 302 against the clock. The start is scheduled for 10:10 a.m. local time (11:10 CEST).
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
Photo: ImagensDesportivas.com
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