The Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team (TGR-WRT) has cemented its place in motorsport history with a record-breaking triumph at Rally Chile, where Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais steered the No. 17 Toyota GR YARIS Rally1 to victory, leading teammates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin in the No. 33 to secure yet another dominant one-two finish.
The result marks Toyota’s 103rd win in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), surpassing all other manufacturers, and a record-equaling 30th one-two finish. With only three rounds left in the 2025 season, Toyota now extends its manufacturers’ championship lead to 125 points, placing it firmly on course for further silverware.
A tightly contested rally
The Biobío region of Chile provided a dramatic backdrop, with constantly shifting grip levels and unpredictable weather keeping teams on edge. Rain before the opening stages helped Evans grab an early lead, but as the roads dried, Ogier steadily closed the gap. More showers later aided Evans’ fightback, before Ogier struck decisively with three straight stage wins that shifted the momentum.
Heading into the final day, just 6.3 seconds separated the teammates. They split early test wins before Ogier surged clear on the penultimate run and delivered a powerful final push in the Power Stage. His victory – his 66th career WRC win – secured maximum points across the rally, Super Sunday, and the Power Stage, putting him atop the drivers’ championship with 224 points.
Evans and Martin finished just 11 seconds adrift, taking second place in both the rally and Super Sunday, and remain only two points behind Ogier in the championship fight.
Leadership remarks
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of TGR-WRT, praised the effort and spirit of the team:
“Congratulations Sébastien and Vincent on your victory at Rally Chile. Heading into the final stages of the season, I have only one wish; with three rallies remaining, I simply want the drivers to be able to enjoy their driving to the fullest. To all the team members; please continue preparing the cars with care so that the drivers can enjoy them to the max – I am counting on you. And to all the drivers and co-drivers; please give it your all and enjoy these last three rallies – I am eagerly looking forward to seeing you in action.”
Toyota’s racing philosophy
Toyota’s motorsport journey spans decades, including ventures in Formula One, the World Endurance Championship, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Since 2015, these activities have been consolidated under the GAZOO Racing (GR) banner, reflecting Toyota’s philosophy that “the roads build the people, and the people build the cars.”
GR serves as both a proving ground and a laboratory for Toyota, translating lessons learned under extreme competition into innovations for production cars – reinforcing the company’s mission of creating “ever-better cars” that bring joy, adventure, and freedom to drivers worldwide.
Looking ahead
The championship continues with Round 12 at the Central European Rally (16–19 October). Returning to asphalt after seven gravel rounds, the rally spans Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria, offering another stern test for teams as the title race reaches its climax.
