Ogier posted the fastest time on the traditional Vieira do Minho stage, beating rally leader Ott Tänak by 2.6 seconds. As a result, Ogier cut Tänak’s lead down to just 4.4 seconds.
“I know Ott – he’s a tough competitor. Always looking forward to the fight with him. It won’t be easy,” Ogier said.
Tänak, meanwhile, admitted he is still struggling with the handling of his car. Full confidence remains elusive.
“Not at all surprised. Can’t do much more. Super complicated for me, can’t drive like I should. Not enough harmony I guess between us,” Tänak summarised.
Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä was the third fastest on Saturday morning’s opening stage. The performance lifted him to third overall, moving ahead of teammate Takamoto Katsuta. Rovanperä now leads the Japanese driver by 3.4 seconds.
“Quite okay. I took some hards on this loop. Here, the hard wasn’t working as well as expected, but still not so bad,” Rovanperä said.
Defending world champion Thierry Neuville continues to hold fifth place. The Belgian sits 7.5 seconds behind the final podium spot. Toyota’s Sami Pajari remains in sixth, ahead of WRC points leader Elfyn Evans.
Rally Portugal continues on Saturday with six more special stages. The rally concludes on Sunday.
Rally Portugal standings after SS12/24:
| POS | Driver | Car | Time |
| 1. | Ott Tänak | Hyundai | 1:52:04.5 |
| 2. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +4.4 |
| 3. | Kalle Rovanperä | Toyota | +29.1 |
| 4. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +32.5 |
| 5. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +36.6 |
| 6. | Sami Pajari | Toyota | +1:11.5 |
| 7. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | +1:21.4 |
| 8. | Josh McErlean | Ford | +2:20.2 |
| 9. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +2:26.9 |
Rally Portugal Itinerary (CET):
Thursday 15.5.
09.01 Shakedown: Baltar (5,72 km)
20.05 SS1: Figueira da Foz (2,94 km)
Friday 16.5.
08.35 SS2: Mortagua 1 (14,59 km)
10.05 SS3: Lousa 1 (12,28 km)
10.53 SS4: Gois 1 (14,30 km)
11.41 SS5: Arganil 1 (14,41 km)
13.31 Remote Service Arganil 20min
14.05 SS6: Lousa 2 (12,28 km)
14.53 SS7: Gois 2 (14,30 km)
15.41 SS8: Arganil 2 (14,41 km)
16.31 Remote Service Arganil 20min
18.05 SS9: Mortagua 2 (14,59 km)
19.35 SS10: Agueda/Sever (15,08 km)
20.20 SS11: Sever/Albergaria (20,24 km)
Saturday 17.5.
08.35 SS12: Vieira do Minho 1 (17,69 km)
10.35 SS13: Cabeceiras de Basto 1 (19,91 km)
11.25 SS14: Amarante 1 (22,10 km)
13.46 Service 44min
16.05 SS15: Vieira do Minho 2 (17,69 km)
17.05 SS16: Cabeceiras de Basto 2 (19,91 km)
18.55 SS17: Amarante 2 (22,10 km)
20.05 SS18: Lousada (3,52 km)
Sunday 18.5.
07.43 SS19: Paredes 1 (16,09 km)
08.48 SS20: Felgueiras 1 (8,81 km)
09.35 SS21: Fafe 1 (11,18 km)
10.58 SS22: Paredes 2 (16,09 km)
12.03 SS23: Felgueiras 2 (8,81 km)
14.15 SS24: Fafe 2 (11,18 km) *Power Stage
