Sébastien Ogier cemented his legacy as a World Rally Championship (WRC) icon by claiming his record seventh victory at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal on Sunday, 18 May 2025. The French rally legend, co-driven by Vincent Landais, led Toyota GAZOO Racing to its fifth consecutive win in the 2025 WRC season, finishing the four-day gravel classic 8.7 seconds ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tänak.
Ogier Extends WRC Legacy with Win No. 63
The 63rd career WRC win for Ogier was far from straightforward. For much of the rally, he trailed Tänak, who appeared poised for victory. But in a dramatic twist during Amarante 2 on Saturday, the Estonian’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1 suffered a power steering failure, forcing him to relinquish the lead. The issue saw Tänak fall to third overnight, giving Ogier a commanding 27.6-second advantage over Toyota teammate Kalle Rovanperä heading into the final day.
Despite Tänak’s spirited charge on Super Sunday—where he scored maximum points and reclaimed second place on the penultimate stage—Ogier held firm, showcasing the precision and composure that have defined his decorated career.
“I think it’s something I can be proud of, the way I have managed to stay competitive after all these years. Ott was flying, maybe too much. Race management is definitely something we do well. Seven wins in Portugal—not too bad.”
said Ogier
Toyota GAZOO Racing Continues Perfect 2025 Run
The 2025 WRC season remains under Toyota‘s control, with Ogier, Rovanperä, and Elfyn Evans all contributing to five straight victories. The Rally Portugal podium saw:
- 1st: S. Ogier / V. Landais (Toyota GR Yaris) – 3h 48m 35.9s
- 2nd: O. Tänak / M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N) – +8.7s
- 3rd: K. Rovanperä / J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris) – +12.2s
Championship Standings Update: Evans Still Leads
With Rovanperä finishing third, the championship lead held by Elfyn Evans is now down to 30 points. Ogier, who’s contesting a part-time 2025 campaign, rises to third overall, while Tänak climbs to fourth.
Defending champion Thierry Neuville struggled with a “loose rear end” throughout the rally, finishing fourth and slipping to fifth in the title race. Takamoto Katsuta ran as high as second early in the event but dropped to fifth after a costly spin on Sunday.
M-Sport Ford’s Strong Showing & WRC2 Highlights
M-Sport Ford’s Josh McErlean delivered a career-best performance in eighth, finishing ahead of teammate Grégoire Munster. Oliver Solberg, driving in WRC2, impressed again to complete the top 10.
Rally Portugal 2025 Top 6 Results:
- S Ogier / V Landais – Toyota GR Yaris – 3h 48m 35.9s
- O Tänak / M Järveoja – Hyundai i20 N – +8.7s
- K Rovanperä / J Halttunen – Toyota GR Yaris – +12.2s
- T Neuville / M Wydaeghe – Hyundai i20 N – +38.5s
- T Katsuta / A Johnston – Toyota GR Yaris – +1m 41.9s
- E Evans / S Martin – Toyota GR Yaris – +2m 31.0s
What’s Next in WRC 2025?
The WRC 2025 season continues with Rally Italia Sardegna, set in Olbia from 5 – 8 June, where drivers will once again battle punishing gravel roads and scorching conditions.
For full standings, visit wrc.com.