Sébastien Ogier has once again etched his name into the motorsport history books, claiming an unprecedented 10th victory at the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo. The Frenchman, alongside co-driver Vincent Landais, led the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) to a stunning one-two finish, marking a triumphant start to the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season.
Mastering the Monte-Carlo Challenge
The Rallye Monte-Carlo remains one of the most demanding events in the WRC calendar, with its treacherous mix of dry asphalt, icy patches, mud, and gravel. This year’s event was no exception, offering a true test of skill for teams debuting the revised Rally1 cars, now without hybrid units and equipped with Hankook tyres.
Ogier’s mastery shone through as he navigated the ever-changing conditions with precision and nerve. Entering the final day with a 20.3-second lead over teammate Elfyn Evans, Ogier faced intense competition from Hyundai drivers Adrien Fourmaux and Ott Tänak. A complex tyre strategy for the icy and wet stages proved pivotal, with Ogier and Evans opting for a combination of studded winter tyres and supersoft slicks to maximize grip.
A Nail-Biting Finale
The battle for victory culminated on the legendary Col de Turini during Sunday’s Power Stage. The conditions demanded a perfect blend of skill and strategy, and Ogier delivered, edging out Evans by a razor-thin margin of 0.215 seconds. This decisive win not only secured maximum points for Ogier but also brought Toyota’s all-time Rallye Monte-Carlo win tally to six.
“I’m incredibly proud to achieve this 10th win at Monte-Carlo,” said Ogier. “This rally inspired me to become a driver, and winning it again feels surreal. It’s been a huge fight with tricky conditions and tough decisions, but we kept it together. It’s the perfect start for the team.”
A Strong Start for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Evans, with co-driver Scott Martin, showcased remarkable pace throughout the rally, finishing second and claiming additional bonus points in the Power Stage. “This was a classic Monte-Carlo – extreme, challenging, and rewarding,” said Evans. “It’s a strong result for us, and I’m happy to start the season on such a positive note.”
Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen secured fourth place, delivering consistent performances across the weekend. Despite not achieving their desired pace, the reigning champions earned a solid 18 points. Meanwhile, Takamoto Katsuta and newcomer Sami Pajari demonstrated promise, though their rallies ended prematurely on Sunday morning.
Reflections from the Team
Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala praised the team’s performance, saying: “To begin the season with a maximum points haul is phenomenal. Ogier’s 10th win is a testament to his exceptional talent, and our drivers’ efforts highlight the strength of the entire team. While there were some setbacks, the experience gained this weekend will be invaluable.”
Provisional Rallye Monte-Carlo Results
- Sébastien Ogier/Vincent Landais (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – 3h19m06.1s
- Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota GR YARIS Rally1) – +18.5s
- Adrien Fourmaux/Alexandre Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +26.0s
(For complete results, visit wrc.com)
Looking Ahead
The WRC now shifts to the snowy stages of Rally Sweden (February 13–16), where teams will face yet another test of skill and adaptability. With TOYOTA GAZOO Racing leading both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the 2025 season.
Stay tuned as the WRC continues to deliver heart-stopping action, pushing the limits of man and machine.
