The tightest WRC fight in 20 years is about to unfold in Chile. With just nine points separating the top three drivers, the 2025 Rally Chile Bio Bío promises edge-of-your-seat action. Championship leader Elfyn Evans holds a slender advantage over Sébastien Ogier, with Toyota teammate Kalle Rovanperä sandwiched closely behind. This level of suspense hasn’t been seen since 2003.
Rally Chile: A Driver’s Paradise
Chile has quickly gained a reputation as a rally that tests skill, precision, and bravery. Its flowing gravel roads and blind corners challenge even the most experienced drivers. Recent heavy rain and fog during reconnaissance have made pace notes tricky, adding another layer of unpredictability.
Elfyn Evans sees some familiarity in these stages. “If it rains, it’s similar to Wales, muddy and slippery but manageable,” he explained. Wet conditions on Friday could level the playing field for him as the opening road order may favor those starting later.
Ogier’s Milestone and Momentum
Sébastien Ogier marks a personal milestone at this round, becoming only the second WRC driver in history to contest 200 championship events. After his victory in Paraguay, where he fought back from a puncture, Ogier enters Chile with momentum and a chance to equal his record ninth world title.
Rovanperä Defends Chile Victory
Kalle Rovanperä, Chile’s defending winner, faces pressure to bounce back after a setback in Paraguay. His performance here could be crucial to maintaining Toyota’s stronghold in the championship fight.
Power, Performance, and Manufacturer Rivalries
Toyota Gazoo Racing dominates with five GR Yaris Rally1 cars and nine victories from ten rounds. Evans, Ogier, and Rovanperä lead the charge, backed by Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari. Hyundai Motorsport, meanwhile, fields Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville, and Adrien Fourmaux to bridge the gap. Tänak has won Chile twice before and sits just 18 points behind Evans.
“The roads are flowing and smooth,” Tänak said. “Efficiency and setup are everything here.” M-Sport Ford completes the manufacturers’ field with three cars, including local hero Alberto Heller returning to Rally Chile.
WRC2 Title Battle
The WRC2 championship is equally tense. Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel remain in mathematical contention, while rivals Nikolay Gryazin and Gus Greensmith could extend the fight. With 19 Rally2 entries, every stage counts.
Rally Itinerary and Challenge
Based in Concepción, Rally Chile Bio Bío kicks off Thursday, covering 306.76 competitive kilometres across 16 special stages. Smooth gravel, wet conditions, and blind corners ensure drivers will be tested to the limit.
Summary
Rally Chile Bio Bío 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting WRC events in years. With only nine points separating the top three, wet, flowing gravel roads, and milestone achievements in play, fans are in for high-stakes action across every stage.
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Source: WRC
