Leg information:
Stages: 5 (81.39 kms competitive total)
Surface: Gravel
Weather: Warm and dry

Suzuki Swift driver P-G Andersson has won the Junior Rally Championship category of the Rally Portugal, ahead of his team mate Urmo Aava. The Estonian led until the final day, before a puncture on SS16 allowed P-G past in a dramatic finale. A Suzuki Swift won every gravel stage of the rally, underlining the team’s dominance in extremely tough conditions. Andersson’s win means that he maintains his lead of the championship, while Aava moves up to second. Both cars had no mechanical problems during the 1008-kilometre rally and finished more than seven minutes clear of the third-placed competitor, Renault Clio driver Jozef Beres.

News From P-G Andersson:

I had a definite plan before I came to this event. I knew that I should not risk my lead of the championship by pushing too hard and having a problem, so my aim was to drive around all the rocks and stay in the middle of the road. I feel sorry for Urmo, but my strategy paid off perfectly as by staying out of trouble I won the rally on the last two stages. I didn't expect it though!

News from Urmo Aava:

It's been a fantastic rally, but very nerve-wracking! Today was really tricky: we had everything to lose and nothing to gain. Sure enough, we had a front-left puncture six kilometres from the end of SS16 that ruined our tyre strategy and meant we had to settle for second after having led from the start of the rally. It's disappointing, but it's been a very good fight and we still have a useful result. Punctures are one of those unlucky things that can just happen.

News from Nobuhiro 'Monster' Tajima, team principal:

Big congratulations to both P-G and Urmo! Not only have they driven very quickly, but also in a very mature way-and that is how you win championships. I feel very sorry for Urmo, but what happened was not his fault: I think both drivers have found the perfect compromise between speed and safety, and this is very promising for the future. We are also so pleased that a Suzuki won all the gravel stages, and that in total there are three Suzuki Swifts in the top four. Well done!

Junior Rally Championship classification after SS18, Rally Portugal:

Pos. Driver	Car	Time
1 P-G Andersson	Suzuki Swift	4h22m43.4s
2 Urmo Aava	Suzuki Swift	+3.7s
3 Jozef Beres	Renault Clio	+7m48.9s
4 Jaan Molder	Suzuki Swift	+11m56.5s
5 Andrea Cortinovis	Renault Clio	+15m01.1s
6 Manuel Rueda	Renault Clio	+21m01.9s
7 Shaun Gallagher	Renault Clio	+26m55.1s
8 Vilius Rozukas	Suzuki Swift	+33m14.9s