Motorsport TechnologyThierry Neuville claimed a dramatic Rally Portugal victory in a season already littered with drama to spark the World Rally Championship into life.
Belgian Neuville, who won the championship in 2024, endured a tough season to date having crashed out with Rally Croatia within his grasp.
And his winless run looked set to continue until Sébastien Ogier suffered a right rear puncture on Vieira do Minho 2 to scupper chances of a record-extending eighth Portugal win.
When the rally flipped on its head 🤯#WRC | #RallydePortugal 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Vr08y2cpSz
— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) May 11, 2026
It all meant that Neuville, who proved a master of consistency, inherited the timings lead with a stage remaining.
And he was able to avoid any troubles to claim a 23rd WRC victory and his second in Portugal.
“It’s a very special one,” Neuville is quoted on the official WRC website. “After what happened in Croatia and the struggles we have had for a while, this one comes very well.
“Not only for me and Martijn, but for the whole team. We never give up, and that paid this weekend. We were always up there, always on a good rhythm.
“Nothing was really perfect, but we always somehow got through.”
That winning feeling 🏆#WRC | #RallydePortugal 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Zj1BDTEodH
— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) May 10, 2026
For Ogier, who eventually finished sixth as a result of his unfortunate late incident, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
“There are things you can’t control,” said Ogier. “Everything we could control this weekend, we did pretty well. It was hard luck today. Of course, we deserved a little bit better.”
Coming home in second was Olivier Solberg, who also benefitted from Sami Pajari having to stop for a late wheel change.
Smooth… until it wasn’t 😮💨#WRC | #RallydePortugal 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/VvnkkzS1nI
— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) May 12, 2026
“It was a big ping-pong result all weekend,” added Solberg. “After two tough Tarmac rallies, I’m just very happy to be back on the podium with some good points. Relieved, really.”
A third-place finish for Elfyn Evans was enough for the Welshman to hold a 12-point championship lead over Takamoto Katsuta after six rounds or high octane WRC racing.
Next up is the Rally Japan from 28 – 31 May.
Evans increases his lead at the top 👊#WRC | #RallydePortugal 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/SL2S2l2qxK
— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) May 10, 2026
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