South African rally-raid star Henk Lategan is determined to turn last season’s string of second-place finishes into victory when the championship heads to Portugal. The World Rally-Raid Championship contender enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign filled with podiums, but Lategan believes the time has come to convert consistency into wins.
According to Lategan, the goal for 2026 is a clear victory. “Last year was decent, but this year we definitely want to go one better in Portugal. We’re definitely aiming for first place there,” he said from his base in Austria. Lategan and his team have adjusted their build philosophy to better suit the conditions in Portugal, which presents a unique challenge compared to the vast desert terrain drivers face at the iconic Dakar Rally.
Portugal Rally-Raid Challenges
The rally-style roads in Portugal demand precision and place heavy strain on the athletes, as the constant pedalling for periods of up to four hours at a time becomes tiresome — even for a professional. The tight, technical layout creates a different test for the machinery as well. “It’s really tight, really twisty and really hard on the brakes. It’s more of a rally-style race. It’s different to what the cars are used to at Dakar in the open desert environments. They’re a little bit out of their natural habitat in the tight and twisty races like Portugal,” Lategan explained.
Preparation and Strategy
To prepare, Lategan and his team have made changes specifically for Portugal. “In Portugal there are a lot of smaller bumps, but nothing as big as in the open desert. So we can give away a little of that big protection you need and change that for grip and handling. We’re making a trade-off — letting go of some of the rougher handling and going a bit more refined and precise,” he said. If those adjustments pay off, and the team can avoid mechanical issues, Lategan could finally stand on the top step of the podium in Portugal with gold around his neck.
For more information on the World Rally-Raid Championship, visit the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) website. The FIA is the governing body for world motor sport and sets the rules and regulations for various racing events, including the World Rally-Raid Championship.
- Henk Lategan is a South African rally-raid driver
- He is competing in the World Rally-Raid Championship
- The championship includes events such as the Dakar Rally and the Portugal Rally-Raid
