The 39th bp Ultimate Baja Portalegre 500 could be decisive in crowning the winners of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and the European Cup, as well as the national car and bike championships. The excitement of cross-country racing will last until the very last kilometre.
The FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas features eight challenging events with completely distinct characteristics. It began in the Middle East, followed by four European bajas, with the bp Ultimate Baja Portalegre 500 being the sixth round of the season. The championship concludes with two events in Qatar and Dubai. World Cup rounds have a maximum duration of four days and a minimum of 350 timed kilometres. Argentinian driver Juan Yacopini leads with a 22-point advantage over Czech Miroslav Zapletal, making them the main contenders to succeed João Ferreira as the World Cup champion. Portuguese driver Francisco Barreto sits fifth in the standings, 128 points behind the leader — it would take a major upset in the remaining three rounds for him to take the title.
The FIA European Cup for Cross-Country Bajas has nine rounds, with the final two taking place in Portugal — the bp Ultimate Baja Portalegre 500 will bring the season to a close. The battle for the drivers’ title is between Bartlomiej Wajzer (397 points), Wlodzimierz Grajek (313), and Miguel Angel Valero (310). Afonso Oliveira is fourth, 114 points behind the leader, and no longer in contention for the title.
As the season nears its end, the national titles could also be decided at the event organized by the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP). Gonçalo Guerreiro leads with 113 points, followed by João Ferreira with 108 and Tiago Reis with 79. These are the only three drivers still in the running for the national title, with two rounds remaining. The team championship fight is between Team Transfradelos (179 points) and Old Friends Rally Team (97).
In the motorbike category, five riders are still in contention for the national title. Micael Simão leads with 112 points, followed by Martim Ventura (68), Gustavo Gaudêncio (62), and both Tomás Dias and Bernardo Megre with 59 points each.