Rally Portugal – SS9: Fourth stage win for Sébastien Ogier, Neuville hangs on

Just minutes before the start of SS10, the last stage of this Friday's rally... Rally from Portugal, Sébastien Ogier began to lock down the race. By winning this latest special stage, the ninth of the rally, the nine-time world champion confirmed that he would be able to capitalize on the misfortunes ofAdrien fourmaux, who was then leading until the end of SS7. By setting the fastest time – 4:30.7 – he indeed overtook his new closest pursuer, Thierry NeuvilleFinishing second in this special stage, the Belgian was only eight tenths of a second behind, thus consolidating his position as runner-up in the overall standings.

Still as surprising as ever since the start of this Portuguese afternoon, Martins Sesks achieved the third best time on the special stage, ahead of a very good Adrien Fourmaux – recovered from his puncture problems – as well as Oliver Solberg, who was still very consistent in his performance.

In the Rally2 category, Briton Gus Greensmith set the fastest time, allowing him to finish ahead of drivers like Roope Korhonen and Teemu Suninen, both from Finland. Frenchman Yohan Rossel finished fourth, having worn out his tires during the shortened SS7 stage. An identical time was ultimately assigned to all drivers, naturally penalizing Rossel.

ALSO READ > LIVE – Double puncture for Fourmaux, Ogier takes the lead. Follow the second day of the Rally of Portugal with live text updates.

WRC – Rally Portugal
Rankings after SS9