Rally of Portugal: betting preview, tip & race details
Veteran Sebastien Loeb can roll back the years
Rally Portugal, starts 9.45am Friday
Veteran Sebastien Loeb looks worthy of support for the Rally of Portugal, a race he wasn't even expecting to take part in.
The nine-time world champion, now 45, was due to compete in only a handful of races this year, but his impressive podium finish in Chile last time out has led his Hyundai team to keep him on for this sandy gravel event, chopping Andreas Mikkelsen from their line-up for the second time this season.
Running first on the course due to his championship position should hamper the prospects of leader Sebastien Ogier, and Ott Tanak, who won in Chile and is second in the standings, will be right behind him.
But Loeb gets a later spot on day one due to his sixth place in the standings. He was won the event twice, but not since 2009.
Esapekka Lappi and Jari-Matti Latvala are also drawn well but may struggle to match Loeb's pace.
Leading standings: 1 S Ogier 122, 2 O Tanak 112, 3 T Neuville 110, 4 K Meeke 56, 5 E Evans 55, 6 S Loeb 39.
Recommendation
S Loeb
1pt each-way 10-1 Coral, Ladbrokes
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