After securing a remarkable second place at the 2025 Saudi Arabia Rally, Saudi rally driver Rakan Al-Rashed is gearing up for his next major challenge — WRC Rally Portugal. Once again, Al-Rashed will be joined by his experienced Portuguese co-driver Hugo Magalhães, competing in the Toyota Yaris Rally2 with the support of Printsport Racing and sponsorship from Jameel Motorsport.
Building Momentum After Saudi Arabia
Al-Rashed’s podium finish in Saudi Arabia marked a breakthrough in his rallying journey. Competing against a world-class field on home soil, he demonstrated consistency, precision, and resilience over grueling desert stages. His second-place finish not only secured vital championship points but also strengthened his reputation as one of the rising stars in the WRC2 class.
“Saudi Arabia was a turning point. We showed pace, strategy, and control under pressure. Now we’re channeling that experience into our Portugal preparation.”
Rally Portugal: Fast Gravel, Fierce Competition
Held on the gravel roads of northern Portugal, Rally Portugal is renowned for its high-speed, narrow stages with tight corners, blind crests, and unpredictable surfaces. With temperatures climbing into the 30s during early summer, both man and machine are pushed to their limits.
The rally is based around Matosinhos, near Porto, and features iconic stages such as Fafe, with its legendary jump and massive fan turnout. For Al-Rashed, it’s a new landscape, but one that excites rather than intimidates.
“The terrain is completely different from what we had in Saudi. It’s more technical, with rhythm changes and a lot of hidden challenges. But that’s the beauty of rallying — adapting, learning, and pushing forward.”
The Home Advantage: Hugo Magalhães
Joining Al-Rashed once again is co-driver Hugo Magalhães, a seasoned rally navigator with deep experience across the WRC and ERC circuits. As a native of Portugal, Magalhães not only brings pace note precision but also crucial local knowledge that could make the difference on tricky stages.
“Hugo’s understanding of these roads is a major asset. His calm communication and sharp reading of the terrain give us a strong edge. We’ve built real chemistry in the car, and I trust him completely.”
Powered by the Toyota Yaris Rally2
Al-Rashed and Magalhães will contest Rally Portugal in the Toyota Yaris Rally2, a gravel specialist known for its agility and endurance. Managed by Printsport Racing, the car has undergone fine-tuning to suit the demands of the Portuguese stages — from suspension adjustments to tire strategies.
“We’ve put in a lot of work during testing to optimize the car for Portugal’s fast gravel. Printsport has done a great job setting up the Yaris. It feels sharp, balanced, and ready to compete.”
Backed by Jameel Motorsport
Jameel Motorsport, a leading supporter of motorsport in the Middle East, continues to back Al-Rashed’s international rally campaign. Their sponsorship reflects the growing investment and enthusiasm for rallying in the Gulf region, with Al-Rashed serving as a trailblazer for Saudi drivers on the global stage.
Eyes on the Podium — But Focused on Progress
While many will be watching to see if Al-Rashed can replicate his Saudi Arabia success, his focus remains on learning and improving with every stage.
“Our target is to be competitive, stay consistent, and keep growing. If we can challenge for a podium, that’s fantastic. But the real goal is to build on every rally, step by step.”
Rally Portugal runs from May 22–25, 2025, and promises to deliver drama, speed, and surprises. As Al-Rashed prepares for his first run on Portuguese gravel, all eyes will be on how far this determined duo can go.
