# ERC Rally de Portugal competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/erc-rally-de-portugal-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-27T21:44:35.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 3.

The European Rally Championship (ERC) season finale in Portugal concluded with Mārtiņš Sesks securing victory at the Rali 6 Cidades. Driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 for Team MRF Tyres alongside co-driver Renārs Francis, Sesks overcame technical difficulties, including a suspension issue during the stages, to claim his fifth ERC win of the season.

Roope Korhonen, who had previously extended his lead over Sesks, ultimately lost his advantage. A mechanical failure in his Toyota GR Yaris left him with only front-wheel drive during the final stages, resulting in a third-place finish. Pablo Sarrazin, driving a Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, secured second place, marking his first ERC podium.

The event was characterized by difficult weather conditions, including rain and fog, which added complexity to the technical stages. With these results, the MRF Tyres team has confirmed its position as the championship team for the 2026 season.

In a subsequent event, the Rally 6 Cities North of Portugal, Sesks secured another victory, this time driving for the M-Sport Ford team. He finished with a lead of 1 minute and 2.9 seconds over Pablo Sarrazin. During this race, Korhonen briefly held the lead after winning three consecutive stages before technical issues allowed Sesks to regain control. While the win highlights Sesks' potential, his future in the World Rally Championship (WRC) remains uncertain as he seeks a consistent seat. In the Portuguese Rally Championship (CPR) category, José Pedro Fontes and co-driver Inês Ponte finished fourth in their Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Martins Sesks wins Rally 6 Cities North of Portugal

Martins Sesks won the Rally 6 Cities North of Portugal for M-Sport Ford, concluding his ERC season on a high note despite uncertainty regarding his future in the WRC.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martins-sesks-wins-rally-6-cities-north-of-portugal

### 2026-10-25: Roope Korhonen extends lead in Rally de Portugal

Roope Korhonen expanded his lead at the Rally de Portugal after winning the 14th special stage, maintaining a 10.6-second advantage over Mārtiņš Sesks.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/roope-korhonen-extends-lead-in-rally-de-portugal

### 2026-10-23: Mārtiņš Sesks wins Rally Six Cities North of Portugal

Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis won the Rally Six Cities North of Portugal, securing their fifth ERC victory despite technical issues. Roope Korhonen finished third following a mechanical failure.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mrti-sesks-wins-rally-seis-cidades-in-portugal

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Cite as: ERC Rally de Portugal competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/erc-rally-de-portugal-competition