Tied with Finnish Markku Alén, both with five titles, the French has a new chance to establish himself as the absolute record holder in the 57th edition of the competition, which takes place this year, between Thursday and Sunday, but the feat is something that he himself says is not on his horizon, placing competitiveness as a great goal.

After making his debut winning in 2010 and repeating the feat in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2017, Ogier has not won again on Portuguese soil, having last participated in 2022, in a performance marked by two punctures and a skid.

"To be honest, at the moment, I just hope to do better than last time. Because two years ago it was a disaster for me. There were punctures and many problems. So, the plan is to be competitive and fight to win", he admitted, in statements to journalists, on the sidelines of the premiere of the film "Race for Glory", at Exponor, in Matosinhos, on the eve of the start of the competition.

Although the last edition was not a good memory, the Toyota Yaris driver was still pleased and optimistic about returning to the fifth stage of the World Rally Championship.

"I'm happy to be back. Do I think I have a good starting position on the first day [fifth place]? I think it will be fine, at least with the weather. It should be sunny, which makes it a bit easier on the asphalt", he predicted.

A member of the solidarity organization Race For Good, founded by André Villas-Boas, of whom he is a personal friend, the driver also addressed the inauguration of the newly elected president of FC Porto.

"It's a difficult task, but I think it was his dream to do this. I'm very happy that he has reached the position. It comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure, but may he enjoy it. It's something special to achieve in life and I also hope to enjoy some football with him", he said about André Villas-Boas, revealing that he congratulated him on the election by message and adding: "I don't know if he will come to the rally tomorrow [Thursday], but I hope so".

In turn, Kalle Rovanperä, who, like Ogier, is competing this season 'part-time', appears as one of the main candidates for victory, after having won the last two editions, which leave him one victory away from equaling the Italian Miki Biasion, the only driver to win three times in a row.

In brief statements, the Finn, twice winner of the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the age of 23, expressed his satisfaction with the return and for starting seventh in the opening stage.

"There are many fans here and a great atmosphere, let's hope we have a good fight for victory here. We have had a lot of success here in the last two years. Our goal will be to try to win, but it's not easy. Our position on the road can help us, but it will also have to do with the weather", he said.

In the main WRC category, Thierry Neuville also emerges as a heavyweight, at a time when the Belgian from Hyundai is the leader of the world championship and already has a track record in Portugal, having won here in 2018.

"Success in Portugal depends on the usual factors. We have to have consistency, a good 'set-up' and trust the car. The road conditions and the position on the road will also make a big difference. The goals are to optimize performance on Friday and Saturday, and then get the maximum points on Sunday", he analyzed.

The Rally of Portugal starts this Thursday, with the starting ceremony in Coimbra, which will precede the Figueira da Foz super special, the only stage scheduled for the first day.

On Friday, the teams will face eight special stages, with a double pass through Lousã, Arganil, Góis and Mortágua, in a total of 129.84 timed kilometers.