The gravel gauntlet of Vodafone Rally de Portugal awaits as the FIA Junior WRC roars back into action for round two of the 2025 season. With the iconic event back on the Junior WRC calendar for the first time since 2022, the fight for supremacy is set to intensify on some of the FIA World Rally Championship’s most punishing terrain.
At the sharp end of the standings, Sweden’s Mille Johansson arrives as the man to beat—but a stacked 12-strong entry list ensures nothing will come easy.
Johansson holds a slim lead after Sweden thriller
Despite finishing behind event winner Taylor Gill in Rally Sweden, Johansson’s stunning haul of 12 Wolf Stage Win Points gave him a crucial edge in the title race. Co-driven by Johan Grönvall, the young Swede holds a slender two-point lead heading into Portugal, determined to maintain his momentum on the gravel.
“It’s a long season, but every point matters. Portugal is always a tough test, but we’re ready for the challenge,” Johansson said ahead of the rally.
Portugal’s gravel: A legendary test returns
Rally de Portugal is revered—and feared—for its punishing gravel stages that weave through the rugged countryside to the east and south of Porto. This year’s itinerary is particularly brutal, with 24 stages and nearly 350 competitive kilometres, making it one of the toughest editions in recent memory.
For the Junior WRC crews, all competing in identical M-Sport Poland Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos shod with Hankook tyres, it’s a true survival test of skill, endurance, and precision.
The contenders: Gill, Kelly, Domínguez and more
While Johansson sets the early pace, Taylor Gill is hot on his heels. After a commanding win on home soil in Sweden, the Australian is hungry for more—but Portugal’s loose surfaces will be a different beast compared to the frozen forests of Umeå.
Ireland’s Eamonn Kelly, currently third in the standings, arrives with strong form after winning his class at Rali Terras d’Aboboreira—a local warm-up rally—just two weeks ago. His recent experience on Portuguese gravel could prove vital.
Reigning WRC3 champion Diego Domínguez has a point to prove. The Paraguayan ace, who clinched class honours in Portugal last year, will be desperate to rebound after a rocky start to his 2025 campaign left him languishing in 10th.
Rising stars and fresh faces
The Junior WRC grid boasts an exciting mix of established names and emerging talents. Turkish duo Ali Türkkan and Kerem Kazaz impressed with stage wins in Sweden and are expected to be strong on gravel.
Frenchman Tristan Charpentier, fresh from a competitive ERC outing at Rally Hungary, will aim to convert his raw speed into valuable championship points.
Belgium’s Thomas Martens continues his rookie Junior WRC campaign with British co-driver Max Freeman, while Germany’s Claire Schönborn—the inaugural Beyond Rally Women’s Driver Development Programme winner—prepares for just her second gravel event after an encouraging debut at Rali Terras d’Aboboreira.
From the Southern Hemisphere, Max Smart will be co-driven by New Zealand’s Malcolm Read, bringing Kiwi grit to Portugal’s gravel roads. Estonia’s Joosep Ralf Nõgene, who showed flashes of pace in Sweden, is another young gun to watch.
Making his Junior WRC debut is Jordan’s Shaker Jweihan, who joins the series for the remaining four rounds, adding a fresh international flavour to the grid.
Championship outlook: Early days, high stakes
With Portugal kicking off a run of three consecutive gravel rallies, this round could prove pivotal in shaping the Junior WRC title fight. The high level of competition means consistency will be key, but with so many stage points on offer, a single event can transform the championship landscape.
“After a thrilling start to the season in Sweden, we’re excited to return to Portugal – an event that always delivers a tough challenge for our crews,” said Maciej Woda, FIA Junior WRC Championship Manager. “The level of competition this year is incredibly high, and I’m confident we’ll see another close battle unfold this week.”