Meeke won the Portuguese championship last year with a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, though he was only officially awarded the title recently after a legal process.
For this season, the experienced Northern Irishman has switched to Toyota, with support from Toyota Gazoo Racing Caetano Portugal. Meeke will race with Toyota for the first time this weekend when the Portuguese Rally Championship kicks off at the iconic Serras de Fafe Rally.
On Monday, Meeke got his first real feel for the Toyota Rally2 car in Portugal. The experienced driver, who has won five WRC rallies, seemed to enjoy his time behind the wheel.
“We are finally back on the stages. I’m really excited about my debut with Toyota Gazoo Racing Caetano Portugal and getting behind the wheel of the GR Yaris Rally2,” Meeke enthused.
Watch videos of Meeke’s test below. The article continues after the videos.
The 45-year-old Meeke will now face another WRC rally winner in the Portuguese Rally Championship. Spanish veteran Dani Sordo has taken Meeke’s previous seat, competing in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 this season.
However, Meeke is not making bold predictions about defending his title. Instead, he is tempering expectations.
“This excitement must be balanced with caution. It’s a new car, a new team, and a demanding rally. We want to fight for the top positions, but we know the competition is strong, and we are still adapting to a new reality,” Meeke said.
The gravel rally in Fafe is familiar territory for Meeke.
“Despite this familiarity, we still need more time with the new car. That’s why we are approaching this event with our usual determination while fully understanding the challenge ahead,” Meeke emphasised.
The Portuguese Rally Championship season opener takes place on Friday and Saturday. Alongside Meeke and Sordo, Martins Sesks will also be competing. This season, Sesks is set to contest selected WRC rounds with M-Sport’s Ford Puma Rally1, but this weekend, he will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
