Encarnacion, Paraguay, August 31, 2025: Sébastien Ogier stormed to victory at the first-ever ueno Rally del Paraguay, delivering Toyota Gazoo Racing its 102nd FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) win and equalling Citroën’s all-time record for manufacturer victories. The Frenchman’s success also reignites his 2025 title challenge, bringing him level on points with team-mate Kalle Rovanperä and just nine behind championship leader Elfyn Evans.

Ogier’s comeback seals historic win

Ogier’s eighth career title credentials were on full display as he fought back from a tyre deflation on Friday that cost him nearly 40 seconds. Over the following stages, he mounted a relentless charge in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, securing his 18th WRC victory for Toyota – more than any other driver for the Japanese marque.

“I think we can be very proud of the performance Vincent [Landais, co-driver] and I did this weekend. The points don’t really show it right now, that’s the only negative part, but it’s still a win and that’s the most important thing,” Ogier reflected.

“South America has never really been my luckiest place in rallying, but it feels great to win here in Paraguay in front of such an amazing atmosphere.”

Ogier’s victory was slightly dampened by his struggles in the Wolf Power Stage, where heavy rain left him 10th-fastest and unable to secure additional bonus points.

Evans extends championship lead, Neuville rescues podium

Behind Ogier, Elfyn Evans secured second place to strengthen his championship lead. The Welshman, who edged Thierry Neuville by just a second, now sits on 198 points, nine clear of Ogier and Rovanperä, who are tied on 189.

Neuville, however, emerged as the Power Stage winner, using the bonus points to leapfrog into third overall. His Hyundai team-mate Adrien Fourmaux, who had been in contention for a maiden WRC podium, slipped to fourth after a costly eighth-fastest time on the decisive stage.

Just two seconds further back, Ott Tänak completed the top five for Hyundai, while Rovanperä’s hopes of victory were dashed by a puncture on Saturday, leaving the Finn sixth.

Rally del Paraguay – Top 6 Results

1. Sébastien Ogier / Vincent Landais (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – 3h 00m 06.6s
2. Elfyn Evans / Scott Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) +26.2s
3. Thierry Neuville / Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +27.2s
4. Adrien Fourmaux / Alexandre Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +28.5s
5. Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) +30.6s
6. Kalle Rovanperä / Jonne Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) +2m 05.2s

Toyota equals Citroën’s all-time WRC record

Ogier’s triumph not only boosts his personal title challenge but also secures Toyota’s 102nd WRC win, drawing them level with Citroën as the most successful manufacturer in rally history. The 2025 season has been nothing short of dominant for Toyota, with nine wins from the ten rallies held so far.

What’s next: Rally Chile Bio Bío

The WRC’s South American tour continues in less than two weeks with Rally Chile Bio Bío (11–14 September). With just four rounds remaining, Evans leads the way on 198 points, ahead of Ogier and Rovanperä tied on 189. The battle for the 2025 WRC Drivers’ Championship is set to intensify as the season heads into its decisive phase.