After Hong-Kong in 2006, India in 2007, South Africa in 2008, Italy in 2009 and then China in 2010, the extremely prestigious Imperial rally took to the roads of northern Portugal from 1 to 9 October.
Leaving from Porto, the fifteen participating cars drove on a discovery trip through the Douro Valley (Unesco world heritage site). For 1,200 kilometres they took the winding roads (regularly followed by WRCs!) close to the Spanish border, crossing authentic villages such as Monçao, Montalegre, Gerês, Bragança, Miranda Do Fouro or Alfândega Da Fé.
Regarding the services and sites, as usual the organiser Cyril Codron had selected the nec plus ultra combining lifestyle, gastronomy and authenticity. Visits to the Porto wine cellars or the legendary 'Pousadas' – historic mansions that are part of the region's cultural heritage – were also on the programme of this unforgettable trip.
As a faithful partner of the event, Motul had lent its name to one of the evenings organised during the week at which the participants were given products from the historic vehicles range: 2100 15W50 engine oil or Motul Stabilizer allowing petrol to be kept during wintering.
Given the success encountered, it was decided that this rally will become the first part of a 'trilogy' to take place always in October: the region of the centre and Lisbon (2012) and southern Portugal (2013) are already scheduled!
