Toyota Gazoo Racing Secures Historic Victory at Rally Chile

On the challenging terrain of Chile's Biobío region, unpredictable weather conditions tested the mettle of drivers and their teams. The rally began with rain neutralizing the road-cleaning effect, allowing Elfyn Evans to capitalize and seize an early lead. However, as the sun returned and the roads dried, Evans found himself trailing as Sébastien Ogier closed the gap. The competition remained fierce, with momentum swinging between the drivers throughout the weekend. Ogier's prowess was on full display as he dominated a hat-trick of stages on Saturday afternoon, setting the stage for a suspenseful final day.

The final day of Rally Chile saw Ogier and Evans neck and neck, with only 6.3 seconds separating them. Ogier's skill shone through as he extended his lead with a formidable performance in the penultimate stage, culminating in a decisive victory in the Power Stage. This triumph not only secured Ogier's position at the top of the drivers' championship but also extended TGR-WRT's manufacturers' championship lead to 125 points. Ogier's co-driver, Vincent Landais, played a crucial role in navigating the challenging course, contributing to their team's success.

Beyond the leading duo, other team members also delivered commendable performances. Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen, despite facing setbacks on Friday, managed to finish sixth overall. Meanwhile, Sami Pajari, in his TGR-WRT2 entry, showcased his potential by finishing fifth, narrowly missing fourth place. Takamoto Katsuta and co-driver Aaron Johnston demonstrated improved performance on the final day, placing their GR YARIS Rally1 in the top seven. These achievements underscore the depth of talent within the Toyota team and their ability to rise to the occasion in challenging circumstances.

The Rally Chile victory was not just a personal triumph for Sébastien Ogier but also a historic moment for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed his delight at the team's success, emphasizing the enjoyment and thrill of witnessing such close competition. Juha Kankkunen, the team's Deputy Principal, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of Toyota's record number of wins in the WRC. The team's focus now shifts to the remaining rallies of the season, with a particular emphasis on maintaining their competitive edge on asphalt courses.

As the WRC season progresses, the competition intensifies. Sébastien Ogier leads the drivers' championship with 224 points, closely followed by Elfyn Evans with 222 points. Kalle Rovanperä remains in contention with 203 points. The manufacturers' championship sees TOYOTA GAZOO Racing holding a comfortable lead with 572 points. The upcoming rounds, starting with the Central European Rally, promise a return to asphalt, challenging drivers to adapt their strategies accordingly. The team's focus is on sustaining their momentum and securing further victories.

Looking ahead, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing is poised to continue their impressive performance. With the next rally taking place on the demanding roads of Central Europe, the team remains committed to pushing the limits and achieving excellence. The close competition among the top drivers adds an element of excitement and anticipation to the remaining rallies. As Ogier, Evans, and Rovanperä prepare for the challenges ahead, the motorsport community eagerly awaits the outcome of the season's final stages.