Two weeks only after the Grand Prix of Sweden and its deep white ruts, the WEC stars are going to meet the stones of the GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL, March the 29th and 30th in Vale de Cambra, in the area of Porto. This second stage of 2008 MAXXIS FIM WEC is supposed to be decisive in more than one way. It marks the first event of the traditional Iberian round, which will bring the WEC caravan to Spain in 10 days. It also offers the possibility to the disappointed riders of Sweden to take their revenge.

On the WEC official website (www.abc-wec.com), you can get the access to many practical pieces of information provided by the Sport Clube de Cambra, organizer of the event. In particular, you can find satellite photos of the special tests and detailed plans of the spectacular passages, which will punctuate the course. GPS points will enable you to move easily from one point to the other, and to live closer than ever the race. Already tested in Portuguese national championship, the 60 kilometres track will be taken 3 times each day.

The paddock, one time check and the extreme test will be located in the heart of the city. After the 12.000 spectators of Sweden, it promises some affluence record. Portuguese have an incredible passion for motorsports, and for their off-road rider Helder Rodrigues.

E1: a test for Ahola

Does Mika AHOLA (FIN-HON) will be as fast as in snow? This is the interrogation of the moment. At the evening of the Swedish event that he left dominator, the HM Honda rider himself asked the question. In lack of training on dry grounds, the Finn will approach this race with a particular tension. There is a lot of competition in the small engine class, and Simone ALBERGONI (ITA-YAM) proved in Sweden he hopes to make of 2008 his year on the WEC. On the other hand, uncertainty reigns around the good shape of Bartosz OBLUCKI (POL-HVA). Injured to the ligaments of the inch, the Husqvarna factory rider tries to pass threw the surgical operation, but to ride with this injury could to handicap him.

E2: Aubert’s favourite GP

It is in Portugal that Johnny AUBERT (FRA-YAM) acquired his first stripes of enduro rider in 2006. In the same country in 2007, he won by twice Mika Ahola. In Portugal, the UFO Yamaha rider is really in his playground. However, another French could create a surprise, as he did during a whole day in Sweden. Coming from the same horizon than Aubert, Antoine MÉO (FRA-HVA) proved that he could ride faster than the top of world enduro riders. While recruiting Méo, his manager Fabrizio Azzalin once again had a good intuition. But in the balance, what is Méo’s ardour in front of the implacable control of Juha SALMINEN (FINKTM)? The first special tests will permit to measure the level of preparation of the Finn. Same test for the provisional leader of the category, Joakim LJUNGGREN (SWE-HSB). As a specialist of the hard races, the young Swede classifies Portugal among his favourite races.

E3: the revenge of Merriman?

In delicacy with the rough and stony grounds of Portugal, Samuli ARO (FIN-KTM) does not start as a favourite. Unless the passage to a lighter 2 stroke bike shattered the Finn. With his experience of trial, Stefan MERRIMAN (AUS-APR) makes wonders in the technical portions. He will certainly want to erase his Swedish below average performance. It will also be necessary to count on the faithful riders of the big class, with very fast Marko TARKKALA (FIN-KTM), technical Sebastien GUILLAUME (FRA-HVA) and self-willed Bjorne CARLSSON (SWE-HSB). Anders ERIKSSON (SWE-BMW) still wants to offer to BMW a first podium on the WEC.

JUNIOR

An enormous brawl opposed Thomas OLDRATI (ITA-KTM) to Marc BOURGEOIS (FRA-HVA) in Ostersund. It should continue in Vale de Cambra. To this battle would like to mingle Mirko GRITTI (ITA-BETA), or Spaniards Oriol MENA (ESP-KTM) and Lorenzo SANTOLINO (ESP-KTM). Another reason to attend the very promising GRAND PRIX POLISPORT OF PORTUGAL, March 29th and 30th.