Sébastien Ogier has once again etched his name into the annals of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) by securing his seventh victory at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal. This remarkable achievement not only extends his record at the event but also underscores Toyota's dominant start to the 2025 season, marking their fifth consecutive win.
A Nail-Biting Finish
Co-driven by Vincent Landais, Ogier crossed the finish line 8.7 seconds ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, with Toyota teammate Kalle Rovanperä rounding out the podium in third. The victory was far from assured until the final stages, with Tänak leading for much of the rally before a power steering failure on his i20 N Rally1 handed Ogier the lead.
Toyota's Unstoppable Momentum
Toyota's supremacy in the 2025 season remains unchallenged, with Ogier, Rovanperä, and Elfyn Evans each claiming victories. Ogier reflected on his enduring competitiveness, stating, "I think it's something I can be proud of, the way I have managed to stay competitive after all these years."
Championship Implications
Rovanperä’s podium finish has narrowed Evans' championship lead to 30 points, with Ogier moving into third overall. Meanwhile, defending champion Thierry Neuville struggled with handling issues, finishing fourth and slipping to fifth in the standings.
Looking Ahead
The WRC now shifts its focus to Rally Italia Sardegna, set to take place from 5 - 8 June, where competitors will face scorching temperatures and grueling gravel roads.
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