Kris Meeke's Rally Comeback: How Portugal Revived His Career

A Taste of Rally in Portugal

Sitting in a restaurant enjoying sardines, we watch the Tagus River flow from Spain to the Atlantic, while the northbound traffic gathers on the A2 bridge. Rally season has arrived in Lisbon. Although Subaru left the sport four years ago, the iconic blue and yellow remains a symbol of rally culture here.

As lunchtime rolls on, the conversation flows, especially when our British identity comes to light. “McRae,” one local grins, pointing to his Subaru t-shirt, reminiscing about the legendary 1995 world champion’s moments in Portugal.

The Absence of Meeke

As the day unfolds, anticipation builds for the 2012 WRC event. “Meeke! Where is Meeke?” is a question echoed by fans who miss the Northern Irish driver. Fast forward 12 years, and Kris Meeke is back in Portugal, this time campaigning a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in the domestic series, having dominated the events despite local rules preventing him from claiming the title.

Meeke's Love for Portugal

“I’m really enjoying it,” Meeke shared after winning six out of eight events. Living in Andorra, he appreciates the ease of travel to Portugal and the thrilling roads. The events often utilize old WRC stages, making them nostalgic yet challenging.

The Rally2 and Local Competition

Despite the Rally2 trim i20 being considered outdated, Meeke believes it remains competitive at the national level. “The car’s still very capable,” he insists, acknowledging the strong local competition from drivers like José Pedro Fontes and Armindo Araújo.

A Family Atmosphere in the Team

Meeke describes the team’s atmosphere as familial, reminiscent of his time with PH Sport. Recently, he faced emotional challenges when stepping in for Craig Breen, who tragically passed away shortly after competing in the Algarve.

The Passion for Rallying

Meeke emphasizes that rallying in Portugal is steeped in history, with fans showing incredible dedication. “The quality of the roads here is second to none,” he praises, highlighting the great weather, food, and relaxed social vibe. His joy for driving is evident, and he’s thrilled to be back in Portugal, where the rally spirit thrives.