Neuville new leader after his victory in Portugal

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) retained the head of Rally of Portugal to achieve his first victory in this event, his second of the season after Sweden, and the sixth of his career in WRC.

The Belgian takes control of the Championship with 19 points ahead of Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport) qui n’a pas pu remporter le moindre point après sa sortie de route dans la première étape. Le nouveau leader du WRC a en plus remporté quatre points bonus dans la Power Stage remportée par Esapekka Lappi (Toyota). Dani Sordo (Hyundai), Teemu Suninen et Elfyn Evans ont complété le Top 5 de la dernière spéciale.

The podium is completed by M-Sport drivers Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen. The Finn finished just seven seconds behind his teammate, keeping the advantage over Esapekka Lappi who finished with a similar gap to his compatriot.

The Toyota driver won his duel against Dani Sordo (Hyundai) who finished just six seconds behind the Finn.

Citroën drivers Mads Ostberg and Craig Breen complete the Top 7 after having had to open the road again in the last stage.

In the Manufacturers' Championship, Hyundai is also at the top of the standings with 13 points ahead of M-Sport. Toyota follows with 35 units and Citroën with 64.

Despite a puncture at the start of the event, Pontus Tidemand (Skoda) was able to move up the positions to win the WRC two minutes ahead of Lukasz Pieniazek (Skoda). Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën) completes the podium in the category ahead of his compatriot Pierre-Louis Loubet (Hyundai).

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Portugal carried out by our special correspondent in issue 2166 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.