RallySpirit 2020 confirmed for 22nd and 24th October with adequate pandemic control measures
Article
João Queirós
"Exceptional times call for exceptional rallies", thus goes the motto for this year edition of the RallySpirit, which will take place between 22 and 24th October, in Barcelos, Gaia and Porto.
This sixth edition of this event had to adjust to the abnormal times the world is facing; also, public health measures must be prioritised, in compliance with the contingency plan issued by the FPAK (Portuguese Car and Karting Federation), under the guidelines of the health authorities, the DGS (Directorate General for Health).
After weighing the risks, the promoter organisation X Racing considers that both aficionados and the local economy deserve the effort to help "turn the page on such a difficult moment we are all experiencing".
However, in view of the pandemic evolution in the coming months, the organisation may ultimately cancel the event this year.
Still, the reason to expect a vibrant RallySpirit 2020 are manifold, with motorsport fans having the opportunity to see up close some of the mythical race cars in Rally history.
"In a special year, when restraint and prudence are in order, there are no plans to host an international Top Driver, as it was the case of Miki Biasion, in 2016, Ari Vatanen in 2017, François Delecour in 2018 and Stig Blomqvist, in 2019", as stated by the organisation of the event. But, the organisation furthers that "this doesn't mean less thrills on the road", as the event provides a "unique car pool, with a nice number of Group B Rally cars, which will make RallySpirit 2020 a special edition, like the ones before it".
The 2020 race event main change relates to the operations centre, which will be in Barcelos, the host city of the start and the end of the race. However, Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto will still be iconic sites for the RallySpirit 2020 route, namely the riverfront in Gaia and the Avenida dos Aliados, in front of Porto City Hall.