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Sébastien Ogier clinched his seventh Portugal win after late drama, extending Toyota’s 2025 dominance and tightening the WRC title race.
Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier delivered another masterclass in rally strategy and control, claiming his record-extending seventh victory at Rally de Portugal on Sunday.
Co-driven by Vincent Landais, Ogier’s triumph came after four days of intense gravel action and marked his 63rd career FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) win, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s greatest.
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Ogier finished 8.7 seconds ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, with Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Kalle Rovanperä just 3.5 seconds further adrift in third.
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However, the result was anything but predictable, with the lead changing hands late on Saturday after Tänak’s Hyundai i20 N Rally1 suffered a power steering failure during the Amarante 2 stage.
That costly issue dropped the Estonian from the lead to third overnight, handing Ogier a 27.6-second advantage heading into the final leg.
“Thanks to the team—it was great to drive this weekend,” said a jubilant Ogier at the finish in an interview with WRC.
“Ott was just flying like crazy, but maybe a bit too much actually. On our side, race management is definitely a craft we have, so I’m happy. Seven times here in Portugal—not too bad!”
Despite a spirited Sunday charge by both Tänak and Rovanperä, neither could close the gap enough to challenge Ogier, who maintained his composure to secure maximum overall points.
Tänak, who topped the Super Sunday standings by winning key stages, managed to claw back second place from Rovanperä on the penultimate test, limiting the damage from Saturday’s setback.
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Toyota's Unstoppable Streak
With Ogier’s win, Toyota’s stranglehold on the 2025 season continues, having now taken victory in each of the year’s four rounds.
Rovanperä, who trails teammate Elfyn Evans by 30 points in the championship standings, has emerged as a strong title contender, especially with his consistent podium finishes.
Ogier, competing on a part-time schedule, still holds third overall, underscoring the strength of Toyota’s lineup.
Evans had a subdued outing, his challenge compromised early by unfavourable road-sweeping duties.
He ultimately salvaged sixth overall, edging out young Finn Sami Pajari by 7.3 seconds on Sunday.
Pajari, showing impressive pace, remained competitive throughout and continues to build his reputation as one of WRC’s brightest prospects.
Neuville, Katsuta and McErlean Round Out the Top 10
Defending champion Thierry Neuville struggled with handling issues throughout the rally, citing a persistent “loose rear end” that hampered his pace.
The Belgian eventually settled for fourth, 26.3 seconds behind teammate Tänak, and now sits fifth in the championship standings.
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Takamoto Katsuta endured a frustrating weekend, dropping from a promising second place on Friday to fifth by rally end, more than a minute behind Neuville. A costly spin on the penultimate stage added to his woes.
M-Sport Ford’s Josh McErlean delivered a breakthrough performance, finishing eighth after a consistent drive.
He led home teammate Grégoire Munster, while WRC2 winner Oliver Solberg rounded out the top 10.
The WRC now heads to Sardinia for the Rally Italia, scheduled for 5–8 June. With high temperatures and rugged gravel terrain in store, the battle for championship supremacy is set to intensify.
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