WRC - Neuville wins in Portugal after late Ogier heartbreak

Sport news The 2024 world champion arrived at round six sitting only seventh in the drivers’ standings after a difficult opening sequence that included a final-stage crash whilst leading Croatia Rally and no podiums from the first five rounds. Hyundai, meanwhile, had watched Toyota win every rally so far this year. The 2024 world champion arrived at round six sitting only seventh in the drivers’ standings after a difficult opening sequence that included a final-stage crash whilst leading Croatia Rally and no podiums from the first five rounds. Hyundai, meanwhile, had watched Toyota win every rally so far this year. Portugal looked set to continue that pattern until the penultimate stage, when Sébastien Ogier stopped to change a right-rear damaged tyre on Vieira do Minho 2. The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver had started Sunday with a 21.9s lead and was closing on a record-extending eighth Portugal win, but his victory hopes disappeared in the rutted, rock-strewn conditions. Neuville, who had kept himself in the fight throughout a punishing weekend of rain, mud and constantly changing grip, moved into the lead with only the Fafe Wolf Power Stage remaining. He and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe completed the final test without drama to win by 16.3s from Oliver Solberg. World Rally Championship WRC WRC SEASON 2026 Sport Rallies 1SportWorld Rally ChampionshipRalliesWRCSEASON 2026WRC00 Sunday, May 10, 2026 - 11:53pm Sunday, May 10, 2026 - 11:53pm