The 2026 World Rally Championship continues with the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, where challenging road conditions have shifted the dynamics for the early-season frontrunners. Taking place in Matosinhos, Portugal, marks the first European gravel rally of the 2026 season, returning the WRC to one of its classic events. Across a total of 23 stages and 344.91 competitive kilometers, crews will encounter a demanding combination of soft surfaces, rough second passes, rocks, and ruts, with renowned stages including Arganil, Amarante, and Fafe.
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| Screengrab from WRC |
Sebastien Ogier was leading the race but had to stop to change a punctured tire on SS22, Vieira do Minho 2. This pit stop caused him to drop from the lead to sixth place, allowing Thierry Neuville to take control of the competition. Neuville, driving for Hyundai Motorsport, entered the Wolf Power Stage with a 14.8-second advantage over Oliver Solberg and successfully completed the stage, securing a remarkable comeback victory on the challenging gravel roads of Portugal. Elfyn Evans completes the podium.
The next event is the FORUM8 Rally Japan this May 28-31, 2026.
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