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Sebastien Ogier seizes the lead in Rally Portugal after a dramatic off for Adrien Fourmaux. Here’s why this turn of events could reshape the rally's outcome.
Ogier, the reigning world champion, struggled early in the day but rebounded with key adjustments to his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. He heads into Saturday with a 4.2-second lead over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, who battled oversteer and understeer throughout the day. After winning stage seven, Ogier climbed to second behind Fourmaux, who held the lead until a rough patch in stage eight caused a double puncture, costing him 29.3 seconds.
Fourmaux's misfortune allows Ogier to take control, extending his lead to 5.0 seconds after winning stage nine. Neuville managed to recover, winning his second stage of the day, reducing the gap back to 3.6 seconds.
Toyota's Sami Pajari and Oliver Solberg remain close, finishing the day in third and fourth place, respectively. Pajari, who excelled in the morning stages, lost ground in the afternoon, while Solberg struggled after an off but avoided punctures.
As rain is forecasted for Saturday, the competition is set to intensify.
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