Ogier Secures Record Victory in Rally Portugal
Sébastien Ogier clinched his 60th victory in the World Rally Championship (WRC) on Rally Portugal, setting a new milestone as the most successful driver in the rally’s history.
Entering the rally, Ogier was tied with Markku Alén on five wins and nine podiums in Rally Portugal. However, Ogier’s triumph propelled him to the top spot in the rally’s record books.
Demonstrating his characteristic patience and strategic prowess, the eight-time world champion seized the opportunity to push ahead as his competitors encountered setbacks. Despite initially trailing in sixth place, a strong performance on Friday’s final stage propelled Ogier into contention for the lead.
As rivals like Thierry Neuville, Kalle Rovanperä, and Takamoto Katsuta faced challenges, only Ott Tänak remained a threat to Ogier’s victory. While Tänak narrowed the gap on Sunday morning, he ultimately fell short, securing Ogier’s record-breaking win.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ogier expressed satisfaction at surpassing Alén’s record and emphasized his commitment to maximizing points for his team.
Tänak, although narrowly missing out on victory, secured valuable points for Hyundai despite feeling less comfortable in the i20 N Rally1. Neuville also capitalized on his strong road position to secure crucial points, extending his lead in the championship.
However, Elfyn Evans endured a challenging rally, facing issues with road position and encountering mechanical problems, which impacted his championship standing.
The intense competition also unfolded in the WRC2 category, with Jan Solans emerging victorious after a thrilling battle with Josh McErlean. Solans’ unexpected win marked a significant milestone for Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2.
Rally Portugal’s reputation for attrition was evident in the WRC2 category, with several contenders, including Sami Pajari, Teemu Suninen, and Oliver Solberg, facing early exits due to crashes and mechanical issues.