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Thierry Neuville Claims Dramatic Rally of Portugal Victory for Hyundai

Posted : 11 May 2026

Thierry Neuville reignited his World Rally Championship campaign with a dramatic victory at the Rally of Portugal on Sunday, securing his first win of the 2026 season and handing Hyundai a breakthrough triumph against Toyota’s dominant lineup.

The reigning world champion endured a difficult start to the year, failing to reach the podium in the opening five rounds. However, the Belgian driver stayed composed throughout a demanding weekend in Portugal and capitalized on late misfortune for Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier to claim victory.

Ogier appeared on course for another Portugal success after taking a 21.9-second lead into the final day. The nine-time world champion looked in control until disaster struck on the penultimate special stage when a puncture forced him to stop and change a damaged rear tyre, dropping him down the standings.

Neuville seized the opportunity and maintained his consistency in difficult wet and muddy conditions to secure victory by 16.3 seconds ahead of Sweden’s Oliver Solberg. It marked Neuville’s 23rd career WRC win and his second triumph in Portugal, eight years after his first success in the event.

Toyota still placed several drivers near the front, with Solberg finishing second, championship leader Elfyn Evans taking third, and Takamoto Katsuta ending the rally in fifth position.

After the race, Neuville described the win as especially meaningful following recent setbacks, including his costly crash in Croatia earlier in the season. He praised his team’s resilience and determination after finally ending Toyota’s winning streak.

Ogier expressed disappointment after narrowly missing out on what would have been a record-extending eighth Portugal victory, admitting luck had not been on his side during the closing stages.

Despite the setback, Evans strengthened his position at the top of the championship standings and now leads Katsuta by 12 points heading into the next round in Japan later this month.

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