Thierry Neuville Under Pressure Before Portugal

Thierry Neuville remains under major pressure after a disappointing start to the 2026 World Rally Championship season with Hyundai Motorsport.

After five rounds, the 2024 world champion sits only seventh in the WRC standings. His best result so far remains fifth place at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally, while he has since recorded two retirements along with sixth and seventh-place finishes.

Hyundai’s inability to consistently match the pace of Toyota Gazoo Racing has clearly been one of the main issues. However, Neuville himself has also struggled at times, most notably in Croatia where he crashed out of the rally lead on the final day.

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Heading into Rally Portugal this week, Hyundai believes the gravel conditions could help reduce the performance deficit to Toyota. Neuville is therefore trying to remain optimistic despite his championship hopes already fading.

“We have set our targets high and our car should be more competitive on gravel.”

“We are looking forward to this rally.”

Technically, Rally Portugal is regarded as one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar due to its combination of abrasive roads, soft gravel surfaces, and rapidly changing grip conditions. Tyre management and setup stability will be critical factors throughout the event.

Neuville also explained that this year’s Portugal itinerary presents an additional challenge because different road characteristics will now appear across every day of the rally instead of being separated by stages as in previous seasons.

Meanwhile, team-mate Adrien Fourmaux has delivered more consistent performances throughout the opening phase of the season. The French driver has already secured a podium in Kenya alongside three top-five finishes, placing him two positions ahead of Neuville in the standings.

Fourmaux arrives in Portugal with significantly higher expectations after feeling increasingly comfortable with Hyundai’s gravel performance following recent testing.

“The real season starts now in Portugal.”

“We are much more comfortable and confident with the car’s pace on gravel.”

With growing pressure surrounding Hyundai’s overall competitiveness this season, Rally Portugal is expected to become a crucial turning point in determining whether Neuville can revive his campaign or continue losing ground in the 2026 WRC title fight.