With the first round successfully completed, the Rally Series Promoter released the attendance and digital reach figures for Round #1 in Baltar. The event, held on February 22–23, welcomed an estimated ten thousand spectators, while its digital impact across official social media channels reached 2,049,020 people.
The Rally Series Promoter will release updated and cumulative figures after each round of the 2025 Portugal Rally Series, with the next event taking place in April in Castelo Branco. The presentation of these promotional metrics, in the form of a complete report for drivers and partners, is, according to the promoter, “a key element for sponsors, drivers, and everyone involved, enabling them to secure support more effectively with the promoter’s backing through concrete numbers.”
The Century 21 Rally Series Castelo Branco will take place on April 18–19 and will feature an all-new course, showcasing the region’s distinctive terrain variations and unique conditions.
Following the Rally Series base format — six timed special stages plus an official shakedown — the event will feature an external stage combining fast sections with technical zones, along with the signature Arena stage.
The “Arena” stretches over a 5-kilometer course and, according to the promoter, resembles “a kind of Portuguese Kenya. The layout is spectacular, with only 500 meters run inside the Castelo Branco track. This way, drivers will have the opportunity to drive on pure rally roads before entering an Arena expected to be packed with spectators.”
To ensure all conditions are met for Round #2, the Rally Series team emphasized its coordination with Escuderia de Castelo Branco, the organizing club of the event.
“The coordination with the club was carried out with complete openness from both sides. The partnership between the promoter and the organizing club was established in a simple and transparent way. Escuderia de Castelo Branco has top-level professionals and the right conditions to organize a Portugal Rally Series round for the years ahead. This promoter/club collaboration is essential for the success of the series, and Escuderia was one of the first clubs to trust the project. With the full involvement of the team, this is an event that connects rallying and the public in a truly innovative way, with a promising future ahead.” – said Emanuel Moreira, Sporting Director of the Rally Series.
After visiting the routes that make up Round #2 in Castelo Branco, André Lavadinho, promoter of the Rally Series, said he was “very pleased. The heart of the event offers incredible conditions with everything we need, and the approach from the organizing club has been excellent from the very first moment.”
“In terms of stages, I dare say this rally is a true ‘Mini Portuguese Kenya,’ but with an excellent surface. As soon as I saw the external stage and the Arena stage, I immediately felt that competitive spark again — it’s a layout that will deliver plenty of adrenaline for the drivers. I’ll be on the outside, of course, as a promoter, cheering for all the participants and listening to their feedback after the recce. I’m really curious to hear their impressions.”
Regarding the choice of Castelo Branco, André Lavadinho has no doubt that “the event’s location in Castelo Branco is crucial. These regions are passionate about motorsport and give it their all. We’re going to show that Castelo Branco and Portugal’s interior are a true asset to the sport.”
“We want to keep inspiring new fans to discover rallying. In Baltar, we had a huge crowd, including many people watching a rally for the first time, thanks to the great conditions and comfort provided. Castelo Branco will offer the same setup to ensure a memorable event for everyone.”
Several drivers have already confirmed their participation in Round #2 of the Portugal Rally Series, including both full-season and one-off entrants. Manuel Martins, driver of the Toyota GR Yaris RZ, who took part in the opening round, was eager not to miss the next one.
“We’re heading to Castelo Branco to validate the success of the Rally Series and improve on our result from Round #1 in Baltar,” promised the driver from Póvoa de Varzim.
Round #2 – Century 21 Rally Series Castelo Branco – will take place on April 18–19, welcoming drivers and fans to the Castelo Branco circuit. Regulations and entry forms will be available on the FPAK portal one month prior to the event.
