There is already talk of strengthening the calendar with new events, boosting media investment, and integrating international partnerships that bring value and visibility to the championship. The close connection with teams and drivers will remain at the heart of the organisation’s philosophy, with further investment in fan experiences and digital innovation, including exclusive content and live broadcasts of key stages.
On the technical side, the aim is to promote greater equality, encourage innovation in the eligible cars, and strengthen the platform as a laboratory for emerging talent and for the development of national teams.
With a first season that surprised and exceeded expectations, the Portugal Rally Series now aims to raise the bar in 2026, establishing itself as a benchmark for modernisation, accessibility and spectacle within Portuguese rallying.
André Lavadinho, general director of Rally Series Promoter, highlighted the success of the first edition of the new championship: “We close this edition with immense pride in everything we managed to build in such a short time. We saw motivated teams, closely-fought rallies, and a truly passionate crowd. And this is only the beginning, and we want to raise the level even further in 2026.”
“This project is a puzzle of ideas I’ve been gathering throughout my career and, without a doubt, it’s the project of my life. It’s an enormous pride to begin this journey in Portugal, in my own country, which I deeply love. I’m fully focused every day on improving quality, both as a promoter and on the sporting side, always providing the maximum amount of information to the organising clubs and supporting them day after day, together with our sporting director, who did an incredible job this year.”
“Today we already have an internal team of considerable size, where each person has a very clearly defined role: One Man, One Task, as I learned at Dakar, and that will be fundamental for us to keep evolving and implementing all the necessary improvements.”
“I’d like to leave a special thank-you to all the drivers who trusted us, from the most experienced to those who entered the rally world for the first time this year. The Rally Series has been creating new opportunities, and it’s rewarding to see drivers securing support to drive top-level cars thanks to the format, visibility and proximity we provide. We already have many projects being prepared for 2026, and that says a lot about the path we’re building.”
“Everything motivates me, but what moves me the most is seeing so many new fans discovering rallying, as well as brands wanting to join and be part of our events. It shows that the return is already being delivered in this first year, both for annual sponsors and for event partners. At every rally I meet people I’d never seen before, families experiencing a rally for the first time. The feedback I get from our social media team is incredible — the number of people tagging and sharing the Portugal Rally Series really shows the impact we’re creating. It feels like something viral is happening… I can’t quite explain it yet!”
“I believe the word ‘Rally’ carries enormous strength, and I’m here to help it grow even further. For me, this is the best sport in the world and it has tremendous potential. It demands daily work and a great deal of ambition.”
“This isn’t a hobby… it’s a huge amount of work, second by second, carried out by an entire promoting team.”
“Emanuel Moreira, sporting director, reinforced his confidence in the potential of the format:”
“The feedback confirms that this model works and has room to grow. Well-balanced events, clear regulations, professional teams — everyone deserves congratulations. For next year, we promise to bring renewed excitement and push things even further.”
News by -www.autosport.pt/ralis/portugal-rally-series-queremos-elevar-ainda-mais-o-nivel-em-2026/
