Sébastien Ogier delivered a memorable weekend at Rally Chile, claiming his fifth victory of the season and moving into the lead of the FIA World Rally Championship. Alongside co-driver Vincent Landais, the Frenchman edged Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Elfyn Evans by 11 seconds in an all-Toyota duel that remained tense until the final stage.
Set-up changes to the GR Yaris Rally1 and the damp conditions on Saturday suited Ogier’s driving style, enabling him to position himself for a decisive push. On Sunday, he was relentless, winning three of the four stages and collecting all the additional points on offer from both Super Sunday and the Power Stage. With a maximum score of 35 points, Ogier overtook Evans in the standings by two points. “That was what we wanted,” Ogier reflected. “We had to fight a little after starting the rally half asleep, but it finished just as we hoped. Now I’m pleased we’re moving on to tarmac rallies.”
Toyota holds all the cards, with three drivers in contention for the title and a compelling generational battle: the experienced Ogier, the young Kalle Rovanperä, and Evans in between, each with different yet highly effective driving styles.
This latest victory, Ogier’s second in succession, strengthens his campaign for a ninth world crown — a feat that would place him alongside Sébastien Loeb as the most successful driver in WRC history. Toyota, meanwhile, celebrated its 103rd WRC win, becoming the championship’s most successful manufacturer. With ten victories this season, the Japanese team has extended its lead over Hyundai Motorsport to 125 points, closing in on a fifth consecutive manufacturers’ title.
In WRC2, Sweden’s Oliver Solberg (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) dominated the category to secure the world title. His commanding performance confirms his readiness to step up, as he has already shown glimpses of his talent in Rally1 machinery. Two decades after his father’s success, another Solberg is celebrating a world title.
With just three rounds remaining — the Central European Rally (16–19 October), Rally Japan, and Rally Saudi Arabia — the title fight between Ogier (224 points) and Evans (222) is set to intensify. Rovanperä sits third with 203, followed by Tänak on 181 and Neuville on 166.