Sébastien Ogier Sardinia WRC victory 2025 came down to a gripping final stage that kept fans on edge. The French rally star held off Ott Tänak by just 7.9 seconds, securing his fifth Rally Italia Sardegna win and tightening the fight for the world championship.
Ogier appeared to be cruising with a 17.1-second lead before the Power Stage. But deep ruts on a tight final turn forced him to stop and reverse, costing valuable time and making the win more dramatic than expected.
Precision Under Pressure
Ogier’s victory was not about outright pace. It reflected control, tire strategy, and perfect timing. He gained the lead during Friday’s punishing stages and maintained it with a calm, calculated drive through the weekend.
Afterwards, Ogier praised his team’s progress. Improvements made following Rally de Portugal clearly paid off in Sardinia, especially with car setup and balance.
Toyota Power Delivers Again
The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 showed both speed and resilience in Sardinia’s rough conditions. Ogier’s car performed flawlessly across punishing terrain, helping him fend off a strong challenge from Tänak.
Kalle Rovanperä added a boost for Toyota by finishing third overall and claiming maximum points on Super Sunday. His strong pace kept him in the championship conversation heading into the second half of the season.
WRC 2025 Championship Fight Gets Tighter
Ogier’s third win of the season shrinks Elfyn Evans’ championship lead to just 17 points. Considering Ogier has only started four rallies, his impact is undeniable. Kalle Rovanperä now trails slightly behind in third place overall.
Meanwhile, Tänak and Thierry Neuville remain in the hunt as well. With eight rallies still to go, the pressure will only build with each passing round.
Sardinia Delivers More Than Just Speed
This year’s Rally Italia Sardegna lived up to its reputation as one of the season’s toughest events. It tested every crew’s durability and strategy. Sami Pajari, for instance, lost his top-five place after spinning on Sunday and damaging a driveshaft.
Toyota finished with four cars in the top six, including Takamoto Katsuta and Oliver Solberg. The event was full of drama, retirements, and position changes—proving again why Sardinia remains a WRC fan favorite.
All Eyes Now on Acropolis Rally
Next up is the Acropolis Rally Greece later this June. Known for its punishing gravel and extreme heat, it presents a new challenge for all contenders. With the 2025 WRC title race now wide open, every point will matter more than ever.
Ogier’s fifth win in Sardinia is a reminder that his experience and composure still make him a title threat. As the season charges forward, expect more high-stakes battles and unexpected twists.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Results may vary depending on conditions, vehicle updates, and other dynamic factors.
Source: WRC
