History 2000s

2000 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2000 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Date: March 16–19, 2000

Start Location: Matosinhos, Portugal

Finish Location: Matosinhos, Portugal

Total Distance: ~1,500 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: 398.35 km

Surface: Gravel

The 2000 Rallye de Portugal brought wet, rough, and slippery gravel conditions that pushed cars and drivers to their limits. Richard Burns once again emerged victorious, managing the deteriorating roads and mixed grip better than anyone else. His clean and calculated pace gave him a commanding win and further established his momentum in the early championship battle.

Route

Arganil: Legendary stage — narrow and rocky with unpredictable grip and heavy fog at higher altitudes.
Fafe: Famous for its massive jump and dense fan atmosphere — required courage and control on soaked surfaces.
Mortágua: A mix of fast and tight sections with soft gravel that rutted quickly under repeated passes.

Stages were based in the north of Portugal, with fans lining the roads in massive numbers despite the challenging weather. Key stages included:

Heavy rains turned many stages into mud baths, adding a survival element and demanding precise tire choice and suspension tuning.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Richard Burns & Robert Reid · Subaru Impreza S5 WRC
2nd Place
Marcus Grönholm & Timo Rautiainen · Peugeot 206 WRC
3rd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus RS WRC 00

Burns maintained control from early on, avoiding mistakes while others faltered. Grönholm kept pressure on but had to settle for second. Sainz’s consistency put him on the podium after a measured drive in increasingly harsh conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Grip Variation: Mixed gravel and mud conditions meant constant adaptation — a single rain shower could transform an entire stage.
  • Stage Degradation: Ruts, puddles, and loose stones appeared quickly — later runners suffered more, requiring refined car setup.
  • Fan Interference: Portugal’s passionate rally fans lined the roads in dangerous proximity — requiring intense focus and precision under pressure.

Burns’s triumph in Portugal solidified his early season dominance and showed that his championship campaign was not just about speed — it was built on smart tire calls, clean execution, and calm under pressure.

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