Thierry Neuville, winner of the Rally of Portugal: "The stress was very high for the last special stage"

Not the most spectacular, not the most grandiose, but the most effective and consistent prevailed this Sunday at Rally from Portugal. While the Rally seemed to be heading straight into the arms of Sébastien OgierFate intervened to give a helping hand to Thierry Neuvillewho did not fall into any trap despite the rain, the mud, the many stones on the road, and all other forms of misadventure encountered by many top drivers.

"What a weekend that was! A crazy weekend!" exclaimed the Belgian a few minutes after the end of the Power Stage. We encountered all kinds of conditions and all kinds of emotions. However, we were consistent enough to stay near the top of the standings. We were strong enough to fight with the fastest cars on every stage. We never lost much time. I think that's what allowed us to clinch this final victory. No mistakes, that's the most important thing. We know that a rally is never over until it's truly over! The stress was very high for the last stage, but we did it!

Hyundai's return to business

Symbolically, the weekend truly turned in favor of this Sunday. HyundaiAlthough the leading trio of WRC remains only at Toyota, Sébastien Ogier's puncture during SS22 coupled with the victory ofAdrien fourmaux The Power Stage performance was enough to bring a smile back to the faces of the Korean camp.

“A victory is always pleasant, but this one is very special,” Thierry Neuville insisted"The team and I had been chasing another good result for a while. Two rallies ago, I ended up off the road on the last stage. We had to fight back again. We're very happy to bring home this first victory for the team this year."

Still trailing Ogier in the overall standings, the 2024 world champion is wholeheartedly enjoying his return to the top!

ALSO READ > Rally Portugal: Thierry Neuville wins, Adrien Fourmaux takes the Power Stage