The Baja Portalegre 500 is, by itself, and must in the calendars of most drivers and riders, but this year is even more. Somewhat unusual, the most prestigious off-road event in Portugal will be deciding all the championships.
This means that a puncture, the smallest unlucky moment, or a mere second might set the difference between glory and an entire year down the drain.
Starting with Cars, the first season of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas couldn’t be more competitive, with three drivers fighting for the crown. The Russian Vladimir Vasilyev arrives in Portalegre leading the championship with 112 points, but has no margin for errors. Orlando Terranova is second only a point adrift. But that’s not all, since the Polish Jakub Przygonske is third, with 109 points.
In a nutshell, the title will only be won by the driver that manages to beat the other two.
As for the National Championship the panorama is almost the same, also with three drivers in a direct fight for the glory, although the leader has a bit more room.
Alexandre Ré totals 85 points, while Tiago Reis and Pedro Dias da Silva trail in second with 65 points, but there are results that must be discarded, meaning a victory at the Baja Portalegre 500 might not be enough to ensure the title.
All up for grabs on the Bikes
The fight for the glory also promises to be intense among Bikes, Quads and SSV.
Daniel Jordão leads the two wheels (105 pts), with Salvador Vargas 13 points adrift and Bernardo Megre in third, a further six point away.
In the SSV the crown will be decided between four drivers. Pedro Santinho Mendes has the upper hand, with 97 points, while Pedro Carvalho (78), Vítor Santos (76) and João Monteiro (71) trail behind.
Quads has only two riders in contention. Luís Engeitado is the leader with 125 points, but Roberto Borrego, the most successful entrant in the Baja with seven wins to his belt, is second.