Ogier Equals Loeb’s Record With Ninth World Title
Sébastien Ogier has officially cemented his place in rallying history, claiming a ninth FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) title on Saturday afternoon* as the curtain fell on a dramatic 2025 season at Rally Saudi Arabia.
The French superstar now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with compatriot Sébastien Loeb, tying the all-time record for most championship wins. The triumph also marks a maiden world title for co-driver Vincent Landais, who joined Ogier late in 2022 and has since helped forge one of the sport’s most formidable pairings.
A Final-Day Charge That Defined the Championship
Ogier began the final three-stage shootout holding a provisional two-point advantage over Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Elfyn Evans. With the Welshman only one position behind, the margin for error was razor-thin.
But on the penultimate Asfan stage, Ogier delivered when it mattered most. Surging from sixth to third overall, he seized control of the championship battle as chaos unfolded around him:
- Overnight leader Mārtiņš Sesks and defending champion Kalle Rovanperä were forced to stop for wheel changes.
- Takamoto Katsuta rolled his GR Yaris Rally1.
- Evans also climbed the order, but not enough to overturn the deficit.
A calm, measured run through the Wolf Power Stage secured Ogier’s crown by just four points — one of the closest finishes in recent memory.
“What a season, that’s for sure. What a fight with Elfyn and Scott… They’ve been super strong, pushing us to the limit up to the very last stage.”
Ogier said
Competing only part-time, Ogier and Landais’ 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite missing three rallies, they won more than half their starts and recorded the most stage victories of any crew.
Neuville Takes Rally Win Amid Hyundai 1–2
While the headlines focused on the championship showdown, Thierry Neuville produced a superb performance to clinch his first rally victory of the season.
The Belgian steered his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 to a 54.7-second win, overcoming persistent damper issues in the closing kilometres.
“It has been a super tough season, but to finish with an unexpected victory is obviously a great feeling,” .
Neuville reflected
Adrien Fourmaux completed a Hyundai 1–2, though the Frenchman was left wondering what might have been — a one-minute penalty for an early check-in on Friday costing him a potential maiden WRC win.
Standout Performances and Final Classification
Sami Pajari recovered from a Friday wheel change to secure fourth place, while Katsuta brought home a battered Toyota for fifth. Evans and Rovanperä followed in sixth and seventh.
One of the rally’s biggest stories remained Mārtiņš Sesks. The M-Sport Ford talent led heading into the final day, won five stages, and looked poised for a fairytale finish before double punctures ended his hopes. He retired before the final stage, elevating teammates Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean into the top 10, alongside Oliver Solberg.
Rally Saudi Arabia — Final Results
- T Neuville / M Wydaeghe – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 – 3h 21m 17.3s
- A Fourmaux / A Coria – Hyundai i20 N Rally1 – +54.7s
- S Ogier / V Landais – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +1m03.3s
- S Pajari / M Salminen – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +1m51.7s
- T Katsuta / A Johnston – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +1m59.9s
- E Evans / S Martin – Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – +3m43.9s
2025 WRC Drivers’ Championship (Final)
- S Ogier – 293 pts
- E Evans – 289 pts
- K Rovanperä – 256 pts
What’s Next for WRC?
The FIA World Rally Championship returns in 2026, kicking off with the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22–25 January. With multiple contenders rising and new storylines emerging, the season promises even more intensity across 14 global events.
For more on the WRC and full standings, visit the official championship website at wrc.com.
*Subject to FIA confirmation of results.