The publication of the event’s supplementary regulations and itinerary kind of marks the begin of the countdown for the start of the 2021 FIA ERC season and, with that, the increase of adrenaline and anxiety for the star of the 55th Azores Rallye.
On a quick look to this year’s edition of Azores Rallye, the biggest change noticed is around its itinerary, as the all-time classic Graminhais and Tronqueira special stages were ran on the last day of the event, for as far as we can remember, this year they will have opening honours, so the first day will lead competitors to the east side of São Miguel island, for a more the 110 km stage long leg. The worldwide known Sete Cidades special stage, or the Volcano Stage, as many would call it, is held on Saturday and will have deciding and event-closing honours, so in fact… we have an all-new rally.
The 55th Azores Rallye also marks the debut of two new competitions held as part of the FIA ERC, such as the new Clio Trophy by TokSport WRT and the ERC Michelin Talent Factory. Gathering that with the challenge that this event means for the fastest FIA ERC stars, it means that we can have an exceptionally good entry list again, that may count with some of Europe’s finest rally drivers – they already started to announce they’re sportif programme and Azores Rallye is included – giving them the possibility of battling with some of Azores’ best rally drivers.
All the FIA ERC emotions will return between 6-8 May, 2021, with the realization of the 55th Azores Rallye, that will also count as the opening round of the Azorean Rally Championship
ITINERARY (All time are AZOT, -2hr CET)
THURS, MAY 6
13:00 Free Practice
15:18 Qualifying Stage – Lagoa/Remédios
FRI, MAY 7
09:33 PE1/SS1 Graminhais 1 (24,03 km)
10:21 PE2/SS2 Tronqueira 1 (21,99 km)
11:24 PE3/SS3 Vila Franca/São Brás 1 (15,96 km)
14:47 PE4/SS4 Graminhais 2 (24,03 km)
15:35 PE5/SS5 Tronqueira 2 (21,99 km)
17:15 PE6/SS6 SE/SSS Grupo Marques 1 (4,10 km)
SAT, MAY 8
09:28 PE7/SS7 Coroa da Mata 1 (11,40 km)
10:36 PE8/SS8 Feteiras 1 (7,46 km)
10:54 PE9/SS9 Sete Cidades 1 (24,01 km)
12:04 PE10/SS10 SE/SSS Grupo Marques 2 (4,10 km)
14:27 PE11/SS11 Coroa da Mata 2 (11,40 km)
15:35 PE12/SS12 Feteiras 2 (7,46 km)
15:53 PE13/SS13 Sete Cidades 2 (24,01 km)
17:30 Cerimónia de pódio/Podium ceremony
55TH AZORES RALLYE KEY FACTS
Starts: 08h30, Friday May 7
Finishes: 17h30, Saturday May 8
Headquarters: Pavilhão do Mar – Portas do Mar, Ponta Delgada
ERC appearances (since 2004 restructuring): 7 (2013-2019)
Stages: 13
Stage distance: 201.94kms
Liaison distance: 443.10kms
Total distance: 645.04kms
Surface: Gravel
Free Practice (for priority drivers): 13h00, Thursday May 6 (Lagoa, 3.12kms)
Qualifying Stage (for priority drivers): 15h18, Thursday May 6 (Lagoa, 3.12kms)
Shakedown (for all drivers): 16h45-18h15, Thursday May 6 (Lagoa, 3.12kms)