Elfyn Evans will head into the final round of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) with just a three-point lead after Sebastien Ogier secured a dominant victory at Rally Japan. The dramatic penultimate round has set up a thrilling championship finale in Rally Saudi Arabia from November 25-29.
Ogier’s Masterclass in Japan
Eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier, 41, claimed maximum points with a flawless performance despite heavy rain on the final day. The Frenchman topped every critical stage, including the Super Sunday bonus points stage, finishing 11.6 seconds ahead of teammate Elfyn Evans.
“It’s obviously a perfect result,” Ogier said. “After the rain today, nothing was certain, but we responded perfectly. Now it’s on to Saudi Arabia, and we’ll see if the last rally isn’t a lottery.”
Ogier’s victory brings him within striking distance of Evans’ championship lead, setting up a tense showdown for the season finale.
Evans Holds Narrow Advantage
Welsh driver Elfyn Evans, 36, had entered Rally Japan with a 13-point championship lead over Ogier and fellow Toyota driver Kalle Rovanpera. Despite finishing second, Evans remains the provisional championship leader with 272 points, just three ahead of Ogier’s 269.
Evans struggled initially, placing sixth on the opening stage, but mounted a strong comeback with back-to-back stage wins on Friday and a strong Saturday morning performance to close within 1.4 seconds of Ogier at one point.
“Overall it’s been a fun weekend to try and fight with Seb,” Evans said. “It’s close, and the final rally will be decisive.”
Rovanpera’s Title Hopes Fade
Finnish driver Kalle Rovanpera, 25, had been in contention for a third WRC title but lost time early in Rally Japan after damaging his rear suspension in a collision. He ultimately finished sixth, leaving him 24 points behind Evans and virtually out of contention.
“Definitely not the weekend we wanted to have, but sometimes it’s like this,” Rovanpera admitted. “Just a bit too inconsistent with results this year.”
Toyota Secures Manufacturers’ Supremacy
Toyota Gazoo Racing has already clinched their fifth consecutive WRC manufacturers’ title, ensuring that the team will occupy the top three spots in the drivers’ championship. Ogier, Evans, and Rovanpera have dominated the season, demonstrating Toyota’s unparalleled consistency and speed.
Rally Japan Full Results
1. Sebastien Ogier (France), Toyota – 3h 21m 08.9s
2. Elfyn Evans (Great Britain), Toyota – +11.6s
3. Sami Pajari (Finland), Toyota – +2m 16.6s
4. Ott Tanak (Estonia), Hyundai – +3m 18.1s
5. Gregoire Munster (Luxembourg), Ford – +6m 48.7s
6. Kalle Rovanpera (Finland), Toyota – +7m 01.5s
Provisional WRC Drivers’ Standings
- Elfyn Evans – 272 points
- Sebastien Ogier – 269 points
- Kalle Rovanpera – 248 points
- Ott Tanak – 213 points
- Thierry Neuville – 166 points
The final showdown in Rally Saudi Arabia promises a high-stakes battle between Evans and Ogier for the 2025 WRC Drivers’ Championship.
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