[WRC] Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2026

**Lead** · 11th May 2026, 13:06

Originally Posted by flat_right

I’m not the original author, but a good joke deserves to be shared.

I heard a towing truck had a puncture, so he let Evans pass

**spyros** · 13th May 2026, 05:16

Strange statement from Neuville at dirtfish, to be honest. This win doesn’t suddenly erase the fact that Toyota looked faster for most of the rally, and Hyundai has struggled badly almost all season. A victory is a victory, but the underlying performance gap still seems pretty obvious.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · 13th May 2026, 07:59

Originally Posted by spyros

Strange statement from Neuville at dirtfish, to be honest. This win doesn’t suddenly erase the fact that Toyota looked faster for most of the rally, and Hyundai has struggled badly almost all season. A victory is a victory, but the underlying performance gap still seems pretty obvious.

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

**Duvel** · 13th May 2026, 09:27

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

I did not realy follow the rally, only checking times.
Better to have the Hyundai's fighting on the top this way! Toyota dominance is not good for the sport, people loosing interest.
(not Toyota's foult, and thak god they are still there).

I stil hope to see the Fords a little in the mix also on some rally's.

**Duvel** · 13th May 2026, 09:38

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

At least they were finally back in the same ballpark as Toyota with some fastest times and placed in the top 4 overall.

I did not realy follow the rally, only checking times.
Better to have the Hyundai's fighting on the top this way! Toyota dominance is not good for the sport, people loosing interest.
(not Toyota's foult, and thank god they are still there).

I stil hope to see the Fords a little in the mix also on some rally's.

**EstWRC** · 13th May 2026, 09:43

They were also fast last year at Portugal, Tänak was fighting with Ogier on pure pace and only the slow puncture robbed the victory from him.

Seems they have definitely made a step forward with the upgrades they brought to Portugal but yeah funny that they are talking now like they have closed the gap.

Japan will be embarassing again i suppose.

**Fast Eddie WRC** · Today, 08:47

Andrew Wheatley believes Hyundai can be competitive in the upcoming gravel rallies – and still challenge for the championship as well.

“Absolutely. We always knew that from this point onwards we would have the opportunity to be competitive. The next rally will be difficult, but from Greece onwards I believe we will be full power.,” Wheatley assessed.

https://rallyjournal.com/bold-messag...p-title-fight/