In the car category, several manufacturers are competing with factory-backed teams, including Dacia, Toyota, Ford, Ebro and Defender. Among the drivers, Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dacia) leads a star-studded field. The Qatari currently tops the world championship standings following his victory at the Dakar Rally and arrives at the second round of the season ahead of Mattias Ekström (Ford). Most of the discipline’s major names have answered the call. The entry list also includes reigning world champion and defending bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal winner Lucas Moraes (Dacia), alongside Sébastien Loeb (Dacia), Carlos Sainz (Ford), Yazeed Al Rajhi and Henk Lategan, both driving for Toyota.
The popularity of the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal is also evident in the Challenger and SSV categories. Virtually all of the top contenders in these classes are set to start the event, promising intense battles for victory. Confirmed entries include SSV world champion Alexandre Pinto (Taurus) and Pau Navarro (Bairons), the current leader of the category in 2026. João Monteiro (Can-Am), currently second in the SSV championship, leads a sizeable field featuring strong Portuguese representation. Another highlight is the Stock category, reserved for vehicles closest to their production versions, where Defender will line up at full strength.
In the motorcycle category, Honda, KTM and Hero MotoCorp arrive with near-full factory line-ups. Daniel Sanders (KTM), winner of the 2025 edition, returns aiming to repeat his success. However, the balance between manufacturers is extremely close, as demonstrated in the season-opening round, suggesting several genuine contenders for victory. Among them are championship leader Luciano Benavides (KTM), as well as Honda riders Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes and Tosha Schareina, and Hero representatives José Ignacio Cornejo and Ross Branch. In Rally2, the top three riders in the standings — including Martim Ventura (Honda) — are confirmed starters.
Meanwhile, CFMoto will field two factory quads, both for Latvian riders.
Source: ACP Motorsport
Photo: ImagensDesportivaspt / Rally-Raid Network
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