Ogier is going to “take some beating” in WRC title race

Elfyn Evans will give it his “best shot” but admits Sebastien Ogier is “going to take some beating” to claim a maiden World Rally Championship title with three rounds remaining.

Evans lost his grip on the championship lead to his Toyota team-mate after losing out in a head-to-head fight for victory in Chile last weekend by 11s. 

The victory was Ogier’s fifth from eight rounds as the eight-time world champion extended his remarkable 100% podium streak from a partial season, with the Frenchman missing three rallies.   

Evans had held a nine-point margin over Ogier, but is now two points behind heading into next month’s Central European Rally, held on asphalt, after Ogier picked up a maximum 35-point haul in Chile.

The Briton is well aware of the challenge he faces to deny Ogier a record-equalling ninth title, having already finished runner-up to the 41-year-old in 2020 and 2021.

“We know how fast he [Seb] is everywhere he goes. That is the reality and that is what we are up against,” said Evans, who notched up his sixth podium of the year.

“I think it is no secret that he is probably one of the best that there ever was in this sport and that is not by fluke. He is going to take some beating over the next three rounds but we will give it our best shot. 

“I think everything is open now heading into these next two tarmac events [Central European Rally and Rally Japan] in a way. We have been able to do okay things in the past at both, so we can look forward to that.”

Reflecting on his performance in Chile, Evans was pleased by a pace improvement compared to his struggle for speed en route to second in Paraguay three weeks ago. This speed helped Evans into an early lead in Chile before being overhauled by Ogier on Saturday afternoon. 

“Of course, it is a bit of a mixed [feeling]. We really struggled for pace in Paraguay and we came here and we were able to show good speed obviously,” he added. 

“We paid a big price for being first on the road on Friday afternoon. Otherwise, I think we have done a pretty solid job but Seb of course is very strong and tough to beat. I’m feeling a bit mixed but it could be worse.”

Ogier knows a perfect season is close to impossible 

Analysing his season to date after his latest triumph, Ogier says the 2025 campaign has been close to perfect having averaged a stunning 28 points from his eight rounds. 

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

His average was boosted by leaving with the maximum 35 points from Chile, after a late rain shower in the previous round in Paraguay restricted the Toyota driver to just one Super Sunday point. 

“The only difference with this win [compared to the Paraguay win] is we got the points that we deserve. In Paraguay I needed some time to appreciate the win but today is different, I’m straight away happy,” said Ogier.

“We have got out of this weekend taking the maximum points and have taken the lead in the championship only by two points, but obviously very positive to be in this situation with three races to go.

“I could say [this year has been] close to perfect because after eight rallies we have had five wins and we have always been on the podium and average points of 28. 

“It is amazing but I’m well aware that it is close to impossible to make a perfect season. It has never been done before. There are three rallies to go and an opportunity to achieve that, but it is going to be difficult so no time to relax just yet.”