Ogier holds narrow lead over Neuville after dramatic Friday in Portugal
Sébastien Ogier concluded Friday's action at the head of the Rally de Portugal leaderboard, navigating a day defined by shifting fortunes for his rivals. While Ogier initially struggled to find the optimal setup for his Toyota GR Yaris, he remained consistent while others faltered, allowing him to pull ahead. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, having battled handling issues early in the day, found momentum in the afternoon loops to finish just 3.7 seconds behind the leader.
The rally narrative shifted dramatically during the Góis stage, where early leader Adrien Fourmaux saw his commanding advantage evaporate. A mistake at a difficult section resulted in multiple punctures, dropping the Frenchman from first to sixth overall. Oliver Solberg, who also faced a near-roll at the same location, sits in fourth, closely trailing Sami Pajari, who holds third despite enduring a broken windscreen and minor technical setbacks throughout the day.
Championship leader Elfyn Evans, hindered by his position as the first car on the road, sits fifth, followed by a regrouping Fourmaux. With several drivers still within striking distance of the lead, the field prepares for Saturday's extensive schedule, which remains the longest and most challenging day of the event.
