Ogier storms towards Rally of Portugal record

English Woman's Journal - Ogier storms towards Rally of Portugal record

Ogier storms towards Rally of Portugal record / Photo: MIGUEL RIOPA - AFP

The French driver, behind the wheel of a Toyota Yaris, has been victorious in Portugal on five occasions -- 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2017.

Another triumph on Sunday will take him one ahead of Finland's Markku Alen, also a five-time champion with Fiat and Lancia in the 1970s and 1980s.

Ogier, who is only racing part-time in the 2024 world championship, goes into the final day's four stages with an 11.9sec lead over Ott Tanak.

The Estonian driver briefly led the rally on Saturday in his Hyundai.

Belgium's Thierry Neuville, in another Hyundai, is third overnight, more than a minute behind Ogier.

Reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera, a teammate of Ogier at Toyota, had been ahead on Friday but endured a Saturday to forget.

He misjudged a right-hander on stage 11 and rolled his vehicle, sending him out of contention.

Japan's Takamoto Katsuta, who had been sitting third on Friday, also saw his hopes hit when his Toyota suffered a broken suspension.

"It's been a good day," said Ogier. "A tricky one, we didn't expect so many things happening today.

"Unfortunately on Toyota's side it was not a perfect day. For me it was good, but we lost two cars. We have to try and finish the job tomorrow now."

Standings after Saturday's stages:

1. Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (FRA/Toyota) 3h01:55.8, 2. Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja (EST/Hyundai) at 11.9, 3. Thierry Neuville/Martin Wydaeghe (BEL/Hyundai) 1:11.4, 4. Daniel Sordo/Candido Carrera (ESP/Hyundai) 1:25.6, 5. Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (FRA/Ford) 1:32.9

L.McKay--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.