How Sebastien Ogier Conquered Desert to Reclaim WRC Throne

The Frenchman survived a chaotic desert finale to clinch a historic ninth world title, edging out his rival in style.

Sebastien Ogier won a record-equalling ninth Word Rally Championship (WRC) title on Saturday, surviving a chaotic and bruising final day at Rally Saudi Arabia to etch his name alongside compatriot Sébastien Loeb in the history books. 

In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season, the 41-year-old Toyota Gazoo Racing star overcame a tense battle with teammate Elfyn Evans, proving once again that he remains the sport’s ultimate benchmark.

Ogier entered the final day with a precarious provisional two-point advantage over Evans, starting just one position ahead of the Welshman. 

The decisive moment came on the gruelling Asfan stage. Ogier launched a critical charge, climbing from sixth to third overall in the blink of an eye. 

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The stage claimed multiple victims: overnight leader Mārtiņš Sesks and Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä were forced to stop for wheel changes, while Takamoto Katsuta rolled his GR Yaris Rally1. Amidst the carnage, Ogier kept his cool, vaulting up the leaderboard to secure the points cushion he desperately needed.

Although Evans also improved his position, finishing the rally in sixth, the gap was too large to bridge. Ogier’s calculated run through the Wolf Power Stage sealed the deal, leaving him four points clear of Evans in the final standings. 

This victory was particularly sweet for co-driver Vincent Landais, who celebrated his maiden world title. having joined Ogier in late 2022. The duo’s partnership has proven lethal, combining Ogier’s veteran experience with Landais’ precision to navigate a season where they were not even full-time participants.

A Part-Time Campaign for the Ages

Ogier’s path to the 2025 title was unconventional, defined by a "quality over quantity" approach that left his rivals reeling. 

Despite competing on a part-time basis and missing three rallies, Ogier and Landais delivered a masterclass in consistency and speed. They claimed victory in more than half of their 11 starts, racking up six wins and finishing with more stage victories than any other pairing on the grid.

"What a season, that's for sure," Ogier remarked at the finish line, paying tribute to his fiercest rival. 

"There is only a great champion when you have a great opponent, and Elfyn and Scott have been super strong, pushing us to the limit up to the very last stage of the year."

The statistics back up his dominance: 10 podiums in 11 events is a strike rate that defies the unpredictability of modern rallying.

Clarifying the Future

Speaking on the podium, he confirmed he will return to Toyota in 2026 for another partial campaign, targeting exactly 10 rounds. 

He was candid about his motivations, explaining that the full 14-round calendar no longer appeals to him due to family commitments.

"I don’t have the motivation anymore to go a full year," Ogier admitted as per Dirt Fish.

 "I want to avoid missing family time as much as I can." He clarified that he will skip events that clash with his son's school holidays, a balance that keeps him competitive while honoring his personal life.

While he acknowledges that winning a tenth title under similar constraints "would be far from easy," his 2025 performance suggests that betting against him would be foolish.