First time filming at Rally de Portugal 2026

First time filming and being at a rally! How warmly it greeted me — and how grateful I am for observing everything happening around me, and for the people I met. I knew nothing about this world, and after three days there with the team of mechanics, engineers and drivers… it's like a new door opened for me.

It is hard to explain all the feelings I have, but as a complete newbie, I'm trying to grasp how this highly difficult and challenging sport works. How important teamwork is in all aspects. How the success depends on so many things — physical, technical, interpersonal, emotional… and the natural and uncontrollable, like the heavy rain we faced those last two days.

I was fascinated by the fans! Especially children and teenagers who were absolutely happy to meet drivers and co-drivers, get a picture or a handshake or an autograph.

It warms my heart to see that so many people find these lifting, inspiring emotions here — something that takes them out from problems and doubts and puts them into the world of rally. It gives some hope, some desire to hold onto it. For some, maybe it is a way to find the passion of their life and become part of this world one day.

Rally shows that everything is possible, that people and their collaboration is the essence of success, and that hard work and persistence do give life-changing results.

I feel I have an endless amount of questions about this sport and there is a whole world to explore, observe, feel and of course film. The passion and precision of the people who work here is something really worth sharing — because these people are driven by heart.

Grateful and humbly happy,

xx Maria

Special thanks to Janni Hussi, TeemuSuninen and their whole fantastic team! Rock it 🔥