Vatanen, 24, was 10th overall and first in the RC4 class by almost two minutes on round one of the highly competitive Portuguese championship in his own Ford Fiesta R2, nicknamed ‘Olga’.
The Maxrally-backed Finnish driver was joined for the first time by French co-driver Melinda Beuret for the 12-stage, all-gravel event.
“I had a confident drive without taking any risks and we had a good pace,” said Vatanen, who was competing as the only Finn on an event dominated by local drivers. “We had some mechanical problems with the driveshaft so backed off in the afternoon, but it was good preparation for the future! And this is one of my best overall results, so I am really happy about this. Now I look forward to the season ahead, ”
Subject to securing the necessary funding Vatanen’s aim this year is to contest the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy once more, where he finished as top rookie last year. The series is due to begin in Portugal in May.