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Thierry Neuville achieves Hyundai's first victory in 2026 after an intense battle at the Rally de Portugal. This win marks a significant turning point in the season for the South Korean team.
Neuville faced extreme conditions during the event. After two days of dry weather, the rain transformed the route into a slippery and challenging terrain. Sébastien Ogier from Toyota led for much of the competition, but a flat tire in the penultimate stage cost him the victory. Although Ogier had a 17.3-second lead, his mishap caused him to lose over a minute, allowing Neuville to take the lead.
With determination, Neuville finished 16.3 seconds ahead of Oliver Solberg. In the Power Stage, Adrien Fourmaux stood out by setting the fastest time, while Neuville secured his position with a second place in this final stage. On the other hand, the day was tough for others like Sami Pajari and Ogier, who faced issues that cost them valuable points in the championship.
This victory not only revitalizes Hyundai but also establishes a new dynamic in the title fight in the WRC.
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