W2RC: Ferreira wins stage 2 of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal with Toyota

João Ferreira achieved his first victory in the Ultimate category of the rally raid by winning the longest stage of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver completed the 655 kilometers between Grândola and Badajoz with a lead of 1'03" over Carlos Sainz, who tried to catch up without success.

The second stage of the FIA-FIM world championship recorded Portuguese victories in all three official FIA categories: Ferreira in Ultimate, Gonçalo Guerreiro in Challenger and Alexandre Pinto in SSV, something that had not happened before in the rally.

Photo By A.S.O

Ferreira moved to the top of the Ultimate overall standings for the first time in his career. He leads Saood Variawa by 3'24" and Lucas Moraes by 3'46", both also from Toyota Gazoo Racing, resulting in three Toyotas on the podium.

Carlos Sainz is fourth, 5'20" behind the leader, just seven seconds ahead of Henk Lategan. The South African, winner of the opening stage, lost the lead after finishing eighth in this second special stage, conceding 7'19" to the day's winner.

Photo By A.S.O

Mechanical issues punish Dacia

The second special stage proved challenging for the Dacia Sandriders team. Both Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sébastien Loeb suffered mechanical problems that cost them around 15 minutes each. The three-time Dakar champion finished tenth overall, 17 minutes behind Ferreira, with Loeb in ninth place at 16'27".

Cristina Gutiérrez assisted the Frenchman by providing him with a spare part during the stage, but this was not enough to make up for the lost time.

Photo By A.S.O

Guerreiro and Pinto 

In the Challenger category, Gonçalo Guerreiro took advantage of Mattias Ekström's mechanical problems to win the daily classification. The Nasser Racing Team driver beat Pau Navarro by 3'22" and consolidated his lead in the overall standings, where he now leads the Spanish driver from BBR Motorsport by 8'55".

Alexandre Pinto maintained his winning streak in SSV by winning for the second consecutive time. The Side by Side Vehicle championship leader added another victory with Old Friends Rally Team in this category where Portugal has accumulated 27 wins.

Next stage remains on Spanish soil

The BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal caravan will remain in Badajoz to contest the third stage on Friday, September 26. The total 511 kilometers will include 308 timed kilometers on a route entirely within Spain, before returning to Portuguese territory on Saturday heading to Lisbon.

Stage 2 Results Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal