History 2000s

2001 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 2001 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Date: March 8–11, 2001

Start Location: Matosinhos, Portugal

Finish Location: Matosinhos, Portugal

Total Distance: ~1,200 km (estimated full route)

Competitive Stages: ~385 km

Surface: Gravel (wet and muddy conditions)

The 2001 Rallye de Portugal lived up to its reputation for drama and chaos, as torrential rains turned many of the stages into slick, rutted traps. Colin McRae stayed composed amid the carnage, navigating the changing grip and heavy fog to clinch back-to-back victories and keep Ford’s title hopes alive early in the season.

Route

Arganil: Portugal’s most famous stage — rough, narrow, and foggy with steep drop-offs and muddy surfaces.
Fafe: Legendary for its massive jump and frenzied fans — demanded full commitment on soaked gravel.
Mortágua: A technical mix of fast corners and tight chicanes with deep water-cut ruts.

Set in the hills of northern Portugal, the route included deep ruts, standing water, and treacherous corners. Notable stages included:

The weather wreaked havoc, with several stages canceled due to impassability and dozens of retirements caused by crashes and mechanical damage.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Colin McRae & Nicky Grist · Ford Focus WRC
2nd Place
Carlos Sainz & Luis Moya · Ford Focus WRC
3rd Place
Harri Rovanperä & Risto Pietiläinen · Peugeot 206 WRC

McRae built his lead through consistent speed and survival, while Sainz secured a clean 1–2 finish for Ford by avoiding major risks. Rovanperä recovered from early delays to take a solid podium in the battered Peugeot.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Weather Impact: Heavy rain and low visibility led to unpredictable grip and timing chaos — crews had to adapt in real time.
  • Surface Erosion: Repeated passes tore up the gravel base — deep ruts and water channels forced frequent tire and line adjustments.
  • Driver Discipline: Patience was key — McRae balanced aggression and control, pushing when conditions allowed and surviving when they didn’t.

Colin McRae’s win in Portugal further solidified his 2001 title ambitions, proving that raw speed combined with tactical restraint could overcome even the worst weather rallying had to offer.

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