TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Iberian Cup 2024: Bruno Bulacia defends the lead in Lisbon

The fourth round of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Iberian Cup will be the Rallye de Lisboa (7 and 8 June), which on this occasion pays tribute to Joaquim Santos, one of the best drivers in the history of Portuguese motorsport, who recently passed away. This is the second consecutive year that the one-make cup organised by Toyota Caetano Auto, Toyota Spain and MSi visits the Portuguese capital. Bruno Bulacia (CSM Automoció) starts as leader, with a seven-point lead over Javi Villa (Asturhíbrido). They are the only two drivers who have managed to add victories to their tally so far this season. Now that the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Iberian Cup 2024 reaches the halfway point with this event, these are the two drivers who are the candidates for the title.

The Rallye de Lisboa will be, at the same time, the second time that the drivers will compete on asphalt stages. A total of nine teams have entered, which means that it is expected to be a very evenly matched rally in the fight for the top places. These tarmac sections are far from Bruno Bulacia’s (CSM Automoció) comfort zone, unlike what happens on gravel, although they are very favourable for Javi Villa (Asturhíbrido). The Asturian driver, fourth in Lisbon in 2023, will be looking to repeat the success he achieved last April in the Rallye Sierra Morena and, in this way, close the gap to the leader.

The Rallye de Lisboa – Memorial Joaquim Santos will be contested in the municipalities near the Portuguese capital. The event starts on Friday afternoon with the start ceremony at the iconic Monument to the Discoveries in Belém. The competitors will then contest the first five special stages (46.64km) before heading to the service park at Alta de Lisboa. On Saturday, eight more stages (55.69 km) will be contested, including a brand new special stage, Cascáis Marina. The rally will finish at 18:10 (local time), next to the Monument to the Discoveries.