The second round of the World Rally-Raid Championship is currently taking place in Portugal, and it features a Lithuanian duo, Mindaugas Sidabras and Ernestas Česokas, who have entered the competition after performing well in the previous round. Their last performance, which took place during the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, saw them finish 21st in the SSV classification. Upon returning to Lithuania, they declared their intention to continue participating in the entire championship, which comprises five stages, with the second stage hosted in Portugal.

During the first day of the rally in Portugal, they encountered particularly challenging tracks due to heavy rainfall that created deep puddles, significantly differing from the dry conditions of the Dakar Rally. The challenging terrain, especially on the extensive Grandola stage that featured a 177 km speed test, involved various difficulties such as narrow pathways between trees and constantly changing track conditions ranging from soft sand to rocky surfaces. Their successful navigation through these conditions enabled them to secure a position in the top ten.

The implications of their strong performance on the first day highlight not only the adaptability and skill of the Lithuanian team but also set a promising tone for their continued participation in the championship. As they aim to improve upon their past performances, fans and supporters back in Lithuania will follow their journey closely, hoping for further success in the remaining stages of the competition.