Title Race Intensifies as Ogier Claims Paraguay Spoils
Sébastien Ogier delivered a champion’s drive at the inaugural ueno Rally del Paraguay, overcoming an early setback to secure a commanding victory on Sunday. The Frenchman’s triumph not only reignited his title fight in the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship but also secured Toyota’s 102nd WRC win, equalling Citroën’s all-time record.
The weekend started on shaky ground for Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais, who lost nearly 40 seconds to a puncture on Friday. But the eight-time world champion rebounded in style, storming back to take his 18th victory for Toyota, becoming the manufacturer’s most successful driver in history—a record he now holds outright ahead of Kalle Rovanperä.
“It feels great to finally win in South America after years of near misses. We can be proud of our performance this weekend. The atmosphere was incredible, and it’s a big success for Paraguay’s first rally.”
Ogier reflected
Rally del Paraguay 2025 – Final Results (Top 6):
- S. Ogier / V. Landais (FRA) – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – 3h 00m 06.6s
- E. Evans / S. Martin (GBR) – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +26.2s
- T. Neuville / M. Wydaeghe (BEL) – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 – +27.2s
- A. Fourmaux / A. Coria (FRA) – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 – +28.5s
- O. Tänak / M. Järveoja (EST) – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 – +30.6s
- K. Rovanperä / J. Halttunen (FIN) – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +2m 05.2s
The Wolf Power Stage provided late drama as Adrien Fourmaux slipped from second to fourth, while Thierry Neuville set the fastest time to secure the final podium spot by just 1.3s. Evans finished second overall, extending his championship lead by three points despite missing out on bonus points in the Power Stage.
Meanwhile, Kalle Rovanperä’s Saturday puncture ended his charge, leaving him sixth overall. He now sits level with Ogier on 189 points, just nine behind Evans.
Drivers’ Championship Standings (After Round 10 of 14):
- Elfyn Evans – 198 pts
- Sébastien Ogier – 189 pts
- Kalle Rovanperä – 189 pts
Toyota’s dominance continued with nine wins from ten rallies in 2025, underscoring their grip on the manufacturers’ championship.
The WRC now moves to Rally Chile Bio Bío (11 – 14 September 2025), where the gravel stages promise another dramatic battle in this thrilling title race.