Hyundai Eyes Podium Charge At Rally De Portugal 2026
2025 rally de portugal 05
Hyundai Shell Mobis has its sights set on the podium at Rally de Portugal this week, the sixth round of the 2026 World Rally Championship. Twenty three stages and 344.91km of competitive gravel will separate the bold from the sensible.
Gravel Test And Strategy
The team’s sporting director calls Portugal the first true European gravel test of the season – a barometer for the i20 N Rally1 on loose surfaces. The itinerary borrows traits from classics such as Acropolis and Sardinia, so it is ideal for assessing performance and reliability ahead of the second half of the year.
Early runners will find more room to attack but less grip, while those starting later will wrestle with exposed rocks in the ruts. A touch of rain during reconnaissance could reshuffle the advantage, which keeps the strategists busy and the drama high.
Crews’ Ambitions
Three factory crews arrive after productive pre-event testing with a simple brief – aim high. One crew said the season truly starts now that gravel is back, noting that past punctures and niggles have been costly lessons. Another recalled fond memories of Portugal and expects the car to be more competitive on these surfaces. The third admitted the switch from recent tarmac outings was tricky, but reported growing confidence after a day of gravel work.
What Makes Portugal Special
Portugal is a rally of contrasts – abrasive, rocky sections sit alongside smooth, sandy tracks, sometimes within the same day. That variety rewards commitment and experience, and it puts a premium on reliable machinery and tyre choices. The crowds are loud and knowledgeable, which only raises the stakes.
Hyundai arrives with history here – eleven past podiums, including a 2018 victory – and believes the i20 N Rally1 has the pace to challenge for another top result. Expect a tactical scrap on dust and stones where speed, patience and a dash of luck decide who stands on the rostrum.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
