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Thierry Neuville secures victory at the Rally of Portugal, breaking Hyundai's dry spell in the WRC 2026. This win marks a pivotal moment for the Korean manufacturer and the 2024 world champion.
Neuville fought for the win throughout all 23 special stages, but he seemed destined for second place until Sébastien Ogier suffered a puncture in the penultimate stage. After inheriting the lead, Neuville kept his cool and crossed the finish line with a 16"3 advantage over Oliver Solberg. Championship leader Elfyn Evans rounded out the podium with a gap of 29"1.
The rally proved highly competitive, with four different leaders on a new four-day itinerary. Solberg started strong but his performance dipped on Friday, while Adrien Fourmaux had a tough day with punctures and incidents.
Rain complicated things over the weekend, but Ogier managed to hold the lead until Neuville took command, showcasing his determination and skill. This result shifts the dynamics of the championship and puts Hyundai back in the title race.
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