Thierry Neuville claimed a dramatic Vodafone Rally de Portugal victory on Sunday to revive his season and deliver Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team’s first win of 2026.
The 2024 world champion arrived at round six sitting only seventh in the drivers’ standings after a difficult opening sequence that included a final-stage crash whilst leading Croatia Rally and no podiums from the first five rounds. Hyundai, meanwhile, had watched Toyota win every rally so far this year.
Portugal looked set to continue that pattern until the penultimate stage, when Sébastien Ogier stopped to change a right-rear puncture on Vieira do Minho 2. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver had started Sunday with a 21.9sec lead and was closing on a record-extending eighth Portugal win, but his victory hopes disappeared in the rutted, rock-strewn conditions.
Neuville, who had kept himself in the fight throughout a punishing weekend of rain, mud and constantly changing grip, moved into the lead with only the Fafe Wolf Power Stage remaining. He and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe completed the final test without drama to win by 16.3sec from Oliver Solberg.
...read more at wrc.com
WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2026WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2026
Youtube playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLODyu6T9_emwTP3LkGeCE_vHm1IVO5fel
Championship StandingsChampionship Standings
https://www.wrc.com/en/results-and-standings/championship-standings
How long are rally races?
Each race in the championship lasts 3 to 4 days, averaging around 333 km (207 mi) total, with 111 km a day split into several stages, some with double passes. It sucks that VW, Renault, Citroen aren't competing!