Thierry Neuville Wins Dramatic Rally de Portugal 2026 as Hyundai Ends Toyota’s Dominance

Portugal, May 11, 2026: Thierry Neuville secured a sensational victory at the Rally de Portugal on Sunday, handing Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team its first win of the 2026 WRC season after a dramatic late twist denied Sébastien Ogier a record-extending triumph.

The reigning 2024 world champion capitalised on Ogier’s heartbreak in the penultimate stage to claim his 23rd career WRC victory and his second Rally de Portugal win, eight years after his maiden success on the iconic gravel event.

Ogier’s Late Puncture Changes Everything

The rally appeared firmly in the hands of Toyota driver Ogier heading into Sunday’s closing stages. The Frenchman started the final day with a comfortable 21.9-second lead and looked set for a historic eighth Portugal victory.

However, disaster struck on Vieira do Minho 2 when Ogier suffered a right-rear puncture in the punishing rocky conditions. Forced to stop and change the wheel, the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver dropped dramatically down the order and eventually finished sixth overall.

Neuville, who had remained consistently competitive throughout the rain-soaked and mud-filled weekend, inherited the rally lead before safely navigating the iconic Fafe Wolf Power Stage to seal victory by 16.3 seconds.

Hyundai Finally Breaks Toyota’s Winning Run

The victory marked a crucial breakthrough for Hyundai after Toyota had dominated the opening five rounds of the 2026 World Rally Championship season.

Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe delivered a composed and error-free performance across the demanding Portuguese stages despite constantly changing grip conditions.

Speaking after the win, Neuville described the result as one of the most emotional victories of his recent career, especially after the disappointment of crashing out while leading the Croatia Rally earlier this season.

The Belgian admitted the triumph came at the perfect time for both himself and the Hyundai squad as they attempt to reignite their championship challenge.

Oliver Solberg Returns to the Podium

Oliver Solberg finished second overall after a rollercoaster weekend that included tyre trouble and a spin.

The Swedish driver briefly led the rally on Saturday before losing time, but consistent pace throughout the event allowed him to capitalise on the late drama ahead. The result marked Solberg’s first podium finish since his Monte-Carlo Rally success earlier this season.

Championship leader Elfyn Evans completed the podium in third place, 29.1 seconds behind Neuville. Although Evans admitted he lacked ultimate pace during the weekend, the Welshman extended his championship lead to 12 points after six rounds.

Fourmaux, Katsuta and Pajari Feature in Eventful Rally

Adrien Fourmaux finished fourth for Hyundai after recovering from a difficult Friday puncture incident that cost him valuable time while leading the rally earlier in the event.

Takamoto Katsuta secured fifth place for Toyota, while Ogier slipped to sixth following his puncture setback.

Finnish youngster Sami Pajari also suffered heartbreak on the same stage as Ogier after stopping for a wheel change while running inside the podium positions. The incident dropped him to seventh overall.

Veteran Dani Sordo brought home another Hyundai in eighth place, ahead of Mārtiņš Sesks and WRC2 winner Teemu Suninen.