Image: from Sébastien Ogier X @SebOgier
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Sébastien Ogier delivered a powerful response under pressure during SS12 of the 2026 Rally Portugal, recovering from a mid-stage scare to maintain his overall lead after a dramatic showdown with Thierry Neuville.
For several tense moments during the Cabeceiras de Basto stage, Ogier temporarily lost his virtual lead as Neuville’s split times placed the Hyundai driver ahead in the standings.
The rally appeared close to swinging in a different direction before the experienced Frenchman launched a fierce counterattack through the second half of the stage.
Partilhamos imagens desta tarde do Rally de Portugal do nosso Amigo Vitor Cardoso.
Entretanto Amarante 2 já acabou e que Ogier foi Ogier.. aproveitou Amarante para cavar distâncias para o resto da concorrência.Top 3 após Amarante 2;
1.Ogier
2.Neuville +16.0
3.Pajari +21.0 pic.twitter.com/7gQKbAKHXW— Doidos por Rally (@DoidosPorRally) May 9, 2026
Ogier Attacks Through the Toughest Section
The latter portion of the 19.91-kilometer stage proved especially demanding, with loose rocks building up across the road and along the berms.
Rather than managing risk, Ogier chose that moment to increase his pace.
The seven-time world champion completed the stage with the second-fastest time overall, limiting the damage and extending his advantage over Neuville from 1.7 seconds to five seconds in the general classification.
It was a calculated and aggressive response that underlined Ogier’s experience and composure under extreme pressure.
Fourmaux Claims Stage Victory
The fastest time on SS12 went to Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai, who completed Cabeceiras de Basto in 13 minutes and 05.5 seconds.
Ogier finished just half a second behind, while Takamoto Katsuta placed third, 2.6 seconds off the pace.
Elfyn Evans ended the stage 2.9 seconds behind Fourmaux, while Oliver Solberg finished 3.2 seconds adrift.
Neuville, despite briefly threatening Ogier’s lead, ended the stage only sixth fastest.
Ogier Anticipates Difficult Afternoon Conditions
After the stage, Ogier acknowledged the risks involved in attacking through the rougher second sector.
“In the end, it’s difficult, but that’s where you can make the difference,” he said.
“It quickly develops holes, and it will be really tough on the second pass, especially if rain appears.”
His comments highlighted concerns about worsening road conditions later in the day, as crews prepare for second runs through increasingly damaged gravel stages.
Neuville Remains Calm
Despite losing ground, Neuville remained composed and suggested the rally would not be decided during Saturday morning’s stages.
“I had a good stage, honestly,” the reigning world champion said.
“In the final section, there were many rocks, and maybe I didn’t push too much. The rally will not be decided in these morning stages.”
His remarks suggested a strategic approach, with Hyundai potentially preserving pace and tire management for the more punishing afternoon loop.
Tight Overall Classification
After 12 stages, Ogier leads the rally with a total time of 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 21.7 seconds.
Neuville remains second, just five seconds behind.
Sami Pajari holds third place at 14.9 seconds from the lead, followed by Solberg at 19.1 seconds and Evans at 28.8 seconds.
Evans, who arrived in Portugal leading the World Rally Championship standings, has struggled to match the leading pace during Saturday’s gravel stages.
Rally Portugal Builds Toward Dramatic Finish
Drivers still face the demanding Amarante and Paredes stages before the midday regrouping, while the repeated afternoon passes are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the battle heading into Super Sunday.
With deteriorating gravel conditions, possible rain, and an increasingly intense fight between Toyota and Hyundai, the 2026 edition of Rally Portugal is rapidly becoming one of the most dramatic and memorable in recent years.