Sebastien Ogier’s fifth victory this season at Rally Chile has propelled him to a two-point lead over teammate Elfyn Evans in the World Rally Championship standings. Competing as a part-time driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT, Ogier is making a compelling push for what could be his ninth drivers’ championship.
The Part-Time Campaign with a Key Goal
The eight-time world champion chose to compete selectively this season, skipping rallies in Sweden, Kenya, and Estonia, focusing primarily on contributing to Toyota’s bid to secure the manufacturers’ championship. Despite this limited schedule, Ogier has impressively finished on the podium in all eight events he has contested so far.
Ogier’s Focus After Rally Chile
Following his Rally Chile success, Ogier signaled a growing ambition for the drivers’ title, a feat that would see him match the record held by fellow Frenchman and WRC legend Sebastien Loeb. His victory in South America was not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for Toyota, marking their record 103rd win in the FIA World Rally Championship.
“I’m very happy to take another win in South America and to also come away with the maximum points this time,”
—Sebastien Ogier, WRC Driver
“I think they are well deserved after the ones we lost because of the weather in Paraguay. To take the lead of the championship with three rallies to go is definitely positive too. I’m also very happy for everybody at Toyota Gazoo Racing that we could achieve this record win. Thanks to our Chairman, Akio Toyoda, for the great support that means we can keep pushing the limits for better.”
—Sebastien Ogier, WRC Driver
“We can be very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and I’m sure that we can keep adding to these great numbers in the coming rallies.”
—Sebastien Ogier, WRC Driver
Elfyn Evans’ Continued Challenge for the Title
Elfyn Evans, who is chasing his first WRC drivers’ championship, faces the pressure of finishing runner-up for the fifth time in his career. Having been narrowly beaten by Ogier in 2020 and 2021, and finishing second to Kalle Rovanpera in 2023 and Thierry Neuville in 2024, Evans remains determined despite his recent second place at Rally Chile, where he crossed the line 11 seconds behind Ogier.
Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux completed the podium in third place, trailing by over 46 seconds. Evans acknowledged the challenges faced during the rally, including running first on the road, which impacted his pace.
“It’s mixed feelings for us at the finish because we always want to win, but the big positive is that after struggling for pace two weeks ago in Paraguay we were able to come here and show good speed,”
—Elfyn Evans, WRC Driver
“I think we paid a big price for being first on the road on Friday afternoon but otherwise I think we’ve done a really solid job. Of course I would have liked to fight Seb harder over the last day or so but he is always very strong and tough to beat. Well done to him, as well as the team on a record win for Toyota.”
—Elfyn Evans, WRC Driver
“The championship is still close and we’re looking forward to the next rallies on asphalt and continuing to give it our best shot.”
—Elfyn Evans, WRC Driver
Sprint to the Season’s Final Events
With three rallies remaining, this championship race is entering its critical phase. The next event, the Central European Rally, will take place across Germany, Austria, and Czechia from October 16 to 19. This will be followed by Toyota’s home event, Rally Japan, from November 6 to 9, and the season will wrap up with the inaugural Rally Saudi Arabia on November 26 to 29.
Ogier’s performance in these upcoming rallies could confirm whether his part-time campaign transforms into a historic title-winning effort or if his teammate Evans manages to claim his breakthrough championship after years of near misses. Toyota’s continuing dominance and the battle between these skilled drivers promise an electrifying conclusion to the 2025 WRC season.
