Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke has penned a deal with top privateer team Sports&You to defend his drivers’ title in the Portuguese Rally Championship using Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Yaris Rally2.
The 45-year-old’s reunification with the Japanese marque marks the end of a decorated spell with Team Hyundai Portugal, an opportunity that arose following Craig Breen’s sudden death.
Meeke’s eight-round programme in the national competition begins on the weekend of March 7th and 8th at Rali Serras de Fafe — the first of five victories he enjoyed throughout last season.
“It is just a different car and some different overalls,” said Meeke, who was part of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Championship squad back in 2019.
“I have been in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 for a year-and-a-half — and now I feel it is time to try something different. To still be at this stage of my career doing something I love is mega.
“The Championship is a very good level, too. There are great cars and great teams, fantastic people and fans and, of course, there are some truly mega rallies to enjoy.
“The first four rallies are all on gravel, and the fourth is Rally de Portugal. The three before that event use roads that have been part of the World Rally Championship.”
Meeke wrote his name into the record books by becoming the first person from the UK or Ireland to get their hands on the Portuguese trophy, although he had to dig deep at the closing round to secure it.
The threat of immediate disqualification for a tyre marking zone infringement was replaced with a three-minute time penalty by organisers, before an appeal helped reduce this further.
Despite this experience, Meeke still believes the national series ranks as one of the best on the planet.
“I am not sure I can think of a better one,” was the Dungannon man’s response when asked the question during the official team launch at Circuito do Estoril. “These people just seem to get it.
“They do everything right and they do it proper. It is just nice to be part of a Championship that continues to promote rallying with people who have a bit of backbone to support it.”