Lisbon, Portugal — The gravel of Portugal’s rally stages has long been a proving ground for ambition in the World Rally Championship (WRC). For Latvian driver Mārtiņš Sesks, this weekend’s event represents far more than just another round. After a challenging season that saw his team, M-Sport Ford, struggle with consistency, Sesks arrives in Portugal with a clear mission: prove his resilience and remind the WRC world why he remains one of the sport’s most tenacious competitors.

The Portugal Rally, known for its unpredictable weather and grueling terrain, has develop into a test of endurance for drivers. With the championship still wide open and the top contenders battling for every point, Sesks’s performance here could redefine his season trajectory. “This is a rally where you can’t afford to underestimate the conditions,” Sesks told reporters ahead of the event. “The mix of fast gravel, tight corners, and ever-changing weather demands precision—and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.”

Although the official results from the event’s practice sessions are still being analyzed, early indications suggest Sesks is not only competitive but also adapting quickly to the rally’s unique demands. His co-driver, Renārs Francis, has been vocal about the team’s focus on mastering the “art of the slide” on Portugal’s loose surfaces—a skill Sesks honed during his earlier WRC campaigns.

Yet, the road to this weekend has not been smooth. Sesks’s 2026 season has been marked by mechanical setbacks and the ongoing transition within M-Sport Ford’s program. The team, now operating under a restructured partnership, has faced challenges balancing development with competitive performance. “We’ve had to rethink our approach,” Sesks admitted in a recent interview. “But Portugal is where we can show what we’ve learned.”

The Challenge of Portugal: Why Sesks’s Past Successes Are Relevant

Portugal’s rally stages are infamous for their ability to expose weaknesses in both driver skill and car setup. The combination of fast, flowing sections and tight, technical corners demands a driver who can balance speed with precision. Sesks, who has competed in the WRC since 2010, knows these stages intimately. His best result here came in 2015, when he finished fifth—a performance that highlighted his ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

This year, however, the stakes are higher. With the WRC’s manufacturer regulations evolving, teams are constantly adjusting their strategies. M-Sport Ford, now operating under a revised partnership with Ford, has been working to refine their car’s handling on loose surfaces. “The gravel in Portugal is different from anywhere else,” explains a team engineer, who requested anonymity. “It’s not just about grip—it’s about how the car responds to every tiny change in surface texture.”

Sesks’s preparation has included extensive simulations and track testing in conditions mimicking Portugal’s stages. His focus has been on mastering the “transition zones”—areas where the gravel shifts from loose to compacted—where mistakes can cost valuable time. “In rallying, you don’t just drive the stage. you drive the entire rally,” Sesks emphasized. “Every decision in one section affects the next.”

A Battle for Midfield Dominance: Who Else Is Competing in Portugal?

While Sesks aims to develop an impact, he is not the only driver eyeing a strong result in Portugal. The rally has attracted a field of competitors vying for points and position. Chief among them is Elfyn Evans, the current championship leader, who arrived in Portugal after a dominant performance in the previous round. Evans’s Toyota Gazoo Racing team has been setting the pace early in the season, and their presence adds an extra layer of pressure on the midfield.

Other notable contenders include:

• Ott Tänak (Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT), who has been consistent but struggling to break through for podium finishes.
• Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Gazoo Racing), Evans’s teammate, who has been pushing hard for a top-three finish.
• Esapekka Lappi (Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT), another veteran with experience navigating Portugal’s challenges.

For Sesks, the midfield battle is where he can make the most significant impact. A top-five finish would not only secure valuable points but also send a strong message to his competitors and the wider WRC community about his team’s potential.

Rain, Dust, and the Unpredictable: How Portugal’s Weather Shapes the Rally

One of the defining features of the Portugal Rally is its weather. Drivers often face a rollercoaster of conditions, from dry, dusty stages to sudden downpours that turn the gravel into a slippery challenge. This unpredictability is both a curse and a blessing for competitors.

“You can’t predict the weather here, but you can prepare for it,” Sesks noted. “We’ve practiced in conditions that simulate everything from bone-dry gravel to heavy rain. The key is adapting quickly and making the right call on tire choices and driving style.”

For example, the Algarve region’s stages, known for their long, flowing sections, can become treacherous when wet. Drivers must adjust their braking points and cornering lines to avoid losing control. Meanwhile, the tighter stages in the north of the country demand a different approach—precision over speed.

Sesks’s experience gives him an edge in these situations. “When the weather changes, it’s not just about the car—it’s about your instincts,” he said. “You have to trust your co-driver, your engineers, and your own judgment. That’s what separates the good drivers from the great ones.”

Beyond the Points: What a Strong Portugal Rally Could Mean for Sesks’s Future

For Mārtiņš Sesks, this rally is more than just another round in the WRC calendar. It represents a pivotal moment in his career and the team’s season. A strong performance here could:

• Restore confidence in M-Sport Ford’s program, which has faced criticism for its inconsistent results.
• Attract potential sponsors or partners interested in the team’s potential.
• Provide a platform for Sesks to negotiate future contracts or opportunities, including potential moves to other teams or even semi-retirement with a focus on mentoring younger drivers.
• Demonstrate that experience and adaptability still matter in a sport increasingly dominated by young talent.

Sesks, now in his late 30s, has been a consistent performer in the WRC but has yet to secure a championship. While he has spoken openly about his desire to compete at the highest level for as long as possible, a strong showing in Portugal could reignite conversations about his legacy in the sport.

“I’m not here to chase titles anymore,” Sesks reflected. “But I’m here to prove that I can still deliver when it matters. Portugal is the perfect stage for that.”

What to Watch For This Weekend—and Beyond

The action in Portugal kicks off with the first stage on Friday, May 8, 2026, with the rally concluding on Sunday, May 10. Fans can expect:

• A fierce battle for the top positions, with Evans and Tänak likely to push hard for early dominance.
• Sesks and Francis aiming for a top-five finish to secure crucial points and momentum for the remainder of the season.
• Unpredictable weather adding an extra layer of drama, with drivers and teams making critical decisions on the fly.
• Close competition in the midfield, where every second counts.

After Portugal, the WRC calendar turns to Kenya, where the challenges will shift from gravel to the grueling conditions of the Safari Rally. For Sesks, this weekend in Portugal is his chance to set the tone for the rest of the season.

As the rally approaches, all eyes will be on the Latvian driver. Can he turn his experience and resilience into a podium finish? Or will the challenges of Portugal prove too much? One thing is certain: the WRC will be watching closely.