Rally Portugal – SS5: New fastest time for Pajari, Fourmaux retains the lead

We could have guessed the greater impact of the sweep in this fifth special stage of the Rally Portugal 2026, in reverse compared to last year, and that's indeed the key takeaway. Elfyn Evans, who started first on the road, lost considerable ground as well as his provisional place in the Top 3. The Welshman "dropped" to 6th place overall, 11,1 seconds behind the leader. Adrien fourmaux who retains the lead with another very fine performance. Thierry Neuville He also did well by setting the third fastest time in the special stage.

Bad news, however, for Sébastien OgierThe reigning World Champion is now 4th in the provisional overall standings. The driver from Gap simply explained at the end of the stage that he felt he was just slow, without questioning the performance of his car. Meanwhile, Oliver Solberg, who struggled in the first stage of the day, also recovered and moved back up to 3rd place overall behind Sami Pajari, who recorded his second fastest time in two stages. The Finn is now Fourmaux's closest rival, 5,3 seconds behind the driver HyundaiAlso worth noting is Dani Sordo's small mistake, as he shot straight ahead.

In WRC2, Teemu Suninen also set a second consecutive fastest time. He regained the overall lead by 1,5 seconds over Spaniard Jan Solans, while Andreas Mikkelsen moved up to third place.

ALSO READ > LIVE – Adrien Fourmaux maintains his lead after SS5, follow the second day of the Rally of Portugal with our live text updates

WRC – Rally Portugal
The provisional overall standings for SS5

The provisional overall standings after SS5