The hot weather also contributed to a nice ambiance to promote the World Rally Championship (WRC), with 13 of the most representative international rally drivers showing all their skills and ability to drive in front of a crowd that never ceased to encourage them. Moreover, the drivers were the first to feel the contagious festive atmosphere.Sébastien Loeb, the reigning World Champion and official works Citroën driver, said: "It was fantastic to drive with this atmosphere, in a beautiful Porto square, with a enthusiastic audience, always pulling for us. It was above all a great fun and the organization challenge was totally fulfilled."
Mikko Hirvonen, Ford's works driver, said: "It was a great pleasure to drive in front of such a crowd in a unique atmosphere, very motivating for those who are behind the wheel, and a very important day of promotion for the rallies in front of an audience that never stopped to motivate us. For all this, it was worth coming to Porto."
As it was just a demonstration, in which the show rose above any competitive purpose and the times were not important, and the only ranking possible to do was led by Spanish Dani Sordo, with his Citroen.
In the end, Mayor of Porto, Rui Rio, was particularly happy: "It was a huge success in a very hot day. And remember that we only had five days after the Pope's visit to promote the event, but it was possible to have a huge crowd, to demonstrate the strength and popularity of this sport."
Source: RallyBuzz
