WRC Rally Chile
Why Elfyn Evans claims "everything is open" in uphill WRC title fight
Just two points separate championship leader Ogier and Evans in the WRC standings after Rally Chile
Tom Howard
Edited: Sep 15, 2025, 4:21 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Toyota Racing
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.
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photo by: Toyota Racing
“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.”
Photo Rally Chile, Day 3
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
Rally Chile - Day 3, in photos
WRC
28
Read Also:
WRCOliver Solberg wants “full season in WRC” after dominant WRC2 championship win
WRCWRC Rally Chile: Sebastien Ogier leads title race with win, Oliver Solberg seals WRC2 crown
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Oliver Solberg wants “full season in WRC” after dominant WRC2 championship win
Next article Kalle Rovanpera: We need wins for WRC title chance after Rally Chile setback
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Tom Howard
WRC’s new champion Elfyn Evans celebrates title with Wales show run
WRC
WRC
WRC’s new champion Elfyn Evans celebrates title with Wales show run
M-Sport’s 2027 WRC Fiesta Kit car breaks cover
WRC
WRC
M-Sport’s 2027 WRC Fiesta Kit car breaks cover
Latest news
Barcelona set to host IndyCar race in 2027 under multi-year deal
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 5 h
Barcelona set to host IndyCar race in 2027 under multi-year deal
Winners and losers from a Chase-altering NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
7 h
Winners and losers from a Chase-altering NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix
Heart of Racing rules Valkyrie GTP step next year ‘too soon’ for IMSA standout Barrichello
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 7 h
Heart of Racing rules Valkyrie GTP step next year ‘too soon’ for IMSA standout Barrichello
Sergio Perez: Debut Cadillac season "without a doubt one of my best years"
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
7 h
Sergio Perez: Debut Cadillac season "without a doubt one of my best years"
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe