Sebastien Ogier Favoured for Portugal Victory

Sebastien Ogier once again arrives as the leading favourite for Rally Portugal 2026 following his dominant performance with Toyota Gazoo Racing at the previous WRC round in the Canary Islands.

The nine-time world champion secured his third victory of the season in the Canary Islands and now heads to Portugal carrying major momentum. Ogier also holds an exceptional record in Portugal with seven career victories at the iconic gravel rally.

The French driver has won Rally Portugal in each of the last two seasons, making him the clear benchmark once again as Toyota aims to continue its dominance on the demanding gravel roads of northern Portugal.

Read AlsoWRC Portugal 2026 Features Brutal Gravel Test

“The victory in the Canary Islands gave me extra confidence for the next rally.”

“Portugal has always been a special rally in my career.”

Beyond outright pace, Ogier also benefits from a significantly better road position compared to several of his key rivals. Based on the championship standings, Ogier will start sixth on the road during Thursday and Friday.

Technically, road position is extremely important in Portugal because the loose gravel surface forces early runners to clean the road from dust and loose stones. That usually provides improved grip conditions for drivers starting further behind.

Even so, Ogier warned that Portugal’s unpredictable weather could still dramatically influence the rally, particularly if rain affects the abrasive gravel stages.

“Our starting position could become an advantage.”

“But in Portugal you never really know what the weather conditions will bring.”

While Ogier benefits from his road position, the situation is far more complicated for team-mate Elfyn Evans. The current WRC championship leader will open the road across the first two days of the rally as a consequence of leading the standings.

Evans admitted the challenge is nothing new, although unstable weather conditions could still help reduce the disadvantage caused by road sweeping throughout the event.

“Portugal is usually a rally where road position is extremely important.”

“But we have already faced this situation several times over recent seasons.”

With strong momentum, vast experience, and a favourable starting position, Ogier once again enters Rally Portugal as the reference point in the fight for victory this weekend.