The Rali Terras d’Aboboreira boasts an extremely high level, as several drivers known from the WRC use the rally as a test event before the Rally de Portugal, which takes place in two weeks. Participants include Yohan Rossel, Nikolay Gryazin, Jan Solans, and Pierre-Louis Loubet. Hyundai’s Dani Sordo is also driving the special stages in Rally1 equipment.
Meeke, 44, who has won five rounds in the WRC, is now a regular competitor in the Portuguese Rally Championships. The Northern Irishman has won the first two rallies of the season driving a Hyundai Rally2 car.
However, the race weekend held around Amarante started poorly for him. Meeke rolled his Hyundai into the bushes during the shakedown.
Meeke slid wide in a corner, after which the Hyundai hit a bank and started rolling over through the roof. According to reports, Meeke and his co-driver Stuart Loudon escaped the incident without serious injuries.
Watch the video of Kris Meeke’s incident below.
If the embed above does not appear, you can watch the video here.
Based on the images, Meeke’s car suffered mainly cosmetic damage, but further inspections will determine whether he can start the competition in the car.
Rali Terras d’Aboboreira kicks off on Friday evening with two special stages. The event concludes on Saturday, when five more special stages are scheduled.
Meeke will also participate in the Rally de Portugal, which is held from May 9th to 12th.
