Rally de Portugal excluded from 2027 WRC calendar

The Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP) has announced that the Rally de Portugal will be excluded from the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. This decision follows a last-minute change by the WRC promoter to increase the championship's geographic and intercontinental diversity.

Local authorities and tourism boards have expressed significant concern regarding the decision. João Azevedo, Mayor of Viseu—which was set to serve as the event's logistical base—stated that the absence of the rally represents a massive loss for the country and is seeking alternative solutions. Tourism Centro de Portugal and Turismo do Porto e Norte described the exclusion as a “punch in the stomach” and a “disaster,” warning of severe economic, touristic, and employment consequences for the North and Central regions.

The Rally de Portugal has been a cornerstone of the WRC since 1973. While the 2027 absence is unexpected given a previous agreement that extended the event's presence through 2028, the ACP is currently in discussions with the WRC promoter to facilitate the rally's return to the championship in 2028.