Latvia’s leading rally crew, Mārtiņš Sesks / Renārs Francis, return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) this week as they line up for Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2026, the longest gravel event of the season, taking place from 7 to 10 May.
Following an impressive performance at last season’s finale in Saudi Arabia and a learning-focused opening round of the 2026 season in Sweden, Sesks and Francis continue their WRC programme this weekend in Portugal with M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, once again piloting the Ford Puma Rally1. The Latvian crew’s WRC campaign is also supported this season by Latvia’s leading technology company Tet.
Rally Portugal marks round six of the championship and signals the start of the European gravel phase of the season. Widely regarded as one of the most technically and physically demanding rallies on the calendar, the event challenges crews with high ambient temperatures, constantly evolving road conditions, long liaison sections between stages and limited opportunities to resolve technical issues during the rally.
This year’s route features 23 special stages covering a competitive distance of 344.91 kilometres, while the overall itinerary totals 1,874.58 kilometres. The shortest competitive test is Figueira da Foz at 1.93 km, while the legendary Amarante stage, stretching 26.24 km, remains the rally’s key challenge, traditionally testing not only driver endurance, but also tyre strategy and car reliability.
In Portugal, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team fields an experienced line-up. Alongside Sesks in the Rally1 category will be Jon Armstrong and Josh McErlean. Meanwhile, in WRC2, the team will campaign two Ford Fiesta Rally2 cars for Romet Jürgenson and Mille Johansson.
Richard Millener, Team Principal, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team:“We’re delighted to see Mārtiņš back in the Rally1 line-up. Following the pace he demonstrated in Saudi Arabia, there was significant interest in seeing him return for the summer gravel rallies. Mārtiņš has shown he has both the speed and potential to compete at this level, and Portugal is another important opportunity to continue that development.”
Mārtiņš Sesks, driver, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team:“Rally Portugal presents a very unique challenge. On these roads, you have to think strategically and manage the rally over the long term. There will be plenty of tests for us across the four days. Thursday and Friday are especially important, as we will only have one full service visit across those two days. According to the weather forecast, rain could also play a major role this weekend, which will make the changing surface conditions even more complex. Our task is to stay disciplined, manage the pace wisely and make the most of every kilometre.”
Uldis Tatarčuks, Chairman of the Board, Tet:“We are proud to continue supporting Latvia’s fastest rally driver in his growth journey. Determination, adaptability and the ability to learn quickly are qualities that have brought Mārtiņš into world rallying’s top tier, and we believe every start brings him one step closer to his next career milestone.”
Rally Portugal has been one of the cornerstones of the FIA World Rally Championship for decades. Several of today’s leading drivers have tasted victory here, including Elfyn Evans and Thierry Neuville, while Sébastien Ogier holds a remarkable record of seven wins in Portugal.
Following Rally Portugal, Sesks / Francis will head to Sweden at the end of May for a round of the European Rally Championship (ERC), before continuing with five further WRC appearances this season. Their next Rally1 outing is scheduled for Acropolis Rally Greece, taking place from 25 to 28 June.
Atpakaļ