This year’s Baja Portalegre in Portugal was a tough challenge for the crews. The narrow and twisty track was perfect for the side-by-sides. However, it was a challenge for the large Ultimate vehicles. Nevertheless, Joao Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro managed to finish fifth overall in the MINI JCW Rally Plus and thus win the Ultimate classification. The Baja Portalegre was part of two different championships. It was the fifth of eight events in the FIA World Baja Cup and the penultimate round of the Portuguese Off-Road Championship.
For Ferreira, it was probably the most difficult event of the season so far. On the narrow track, he lost some of the MINI JCW Rally Plus’s bodywork. Other parts of the car were also damaged, which the two Portuguese had to repair. For example, the loss of the front bonnet broke the external main switch (kill switch) for the electronics. But the crew did not let that get them down and kept attacking. With their victory in the Ultimate classification, they take the lead in the FIA World Baja Cup.
Jose Luis Garcia and Samanta Montiel performed very well in the MINI JCW Rally, finishing 13th overall and fourth in the Ultimate classification. The two Spaniards competed in the X-raid partner team M Racing.
The next rally for X-raid will take place in just two weeks. The programme includes the Qatar International Baja, the next round in the 2024 FIA World Baja Cup.
Quotes from the drivers
João Ferreira (MINI JCWRally Plus): ’This was not my rally. It didn’t go as we wanted or deserved. But various circumstances prevented us from attacking as we would have liked. At least we were able to score good points for the championship.’
Overall standings
1. M. Barbosa / P. Fiúza – Taurus – 4h 57m 23s
2. G. Guerreiro / J. Pires – Polaris – 5h 02m 37s
3. P. Rodrigues / J. Cesana – Can-Am – 5h 06m 56s
4. E. Reis / F. Ribeiro – Taurus – 5h 07m 14s
5. J. Ferreira / F. Palmeiro – MINI JCW Rally Plus – 5h 08m 30s
…
13. J. Garcia / S. Montiel – MINI JCW Rally – 5h 17m 00s
