Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Duel: Ogier Outpaces Evans in Rally Chile Drama

When you think of a true rally masterclass, Sébastien Ogier’s Saturday in Rally Chile is the perfect example. Behind the wheel of his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, with Vincent Landais calling the notes, Ogier transformed a tough Friday into a commanding lead by the end of the day. His experience and precision showed why he remains one of the greatest in WRC history.

Ogier’s Stunning Comeback

Ogier started Saturday cautiously, even admitting he was “way too cautious” on the morning’s opening stage. But as the conditions shifted and the roads dried, he turned on the pace. Winning all three afternoon stages, he carved back time on Elfyn Evans and stormed into the lead. By the close of SS12, Ogier was 6.3 seconds clear, proving why he’s an eight-time world champion.

Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 in the Spotlight

The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 is built for both raw power and adaptability. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid engine delivers over 500 horsepower when combined with the hybrid boost, giving Ogier the edge he needed. On Chile’s demanding gravel roads, that power, balanced with Ogier’s tire management, made the difference. Evans in the same car could not quite match the afternoon surge, showing just how fine the margins are at the top.

Elfyn Evans Still in the Hunt

Evans and co-driver Scott Martin held the lead at midday service, thriving in wet conditions. But as the road dried, their advantage slipped away. The Welshman dropped time under pressure, especially in the final stage where Ogier pulled 5.3 seconds clear. Still, with four stages left on Sunday, Evans remains within striking distance.

Fourmaux and Neuville Keep Hyundai in the Mix

Adrien Fourmaux, partnered with Alexandre Coria, began the day on top. However, struggles with grip in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 left him in third overall, 26.8 seconds behind Ogier. Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe followed in fourth, another 14.9 seconds back. While not out of contention, both Hyundai crews admitted their cars felt off the pace in the changing Chilean conditions.

The Wider Battle in Chile

Further down the order, Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen impressed in fifth with their Toyota, while defending Chile winner Kalle Rovanperä suffered from road cleaning duties and sits sixth, more than a minute behind. Takamoto Katsuta recovered to seventh, while Grégoire Munster’s puncture dropped him to eighth. In WRC2, Oliver Solberg continues to dominate, edging closer to the title after extending his lead over Nikolay Gryazin.

Sunday Showdown Ahead

Ogier knows the job is far from finished. With four stages remaining, his slender advantage over Evans could evaporate with a single mistake. Still, his Saturday drive reminded everyone why he is chasing a ninth world title. For Toyota, with the GR Yaris Rally1 leading the way, Rally Chile is shaping up to be a defining moment in the 2024 season.

Summary

Sébastien Ogier’s rallying genius, combined with the power of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, turned Saturday at Rally Chile into a showcase of resilience and speed. With Evans close behind and Hyundai pushing from the rear, the final day promises a high-stakes battle that could decide more than just the rally, it could reshape the WRC title fight.

Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes only. Vehicle specs, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details with official sources before making decisions. Opinions are those of the authors.

Source: WRC