Concepcíon, Chile – September 11-14, 2025 – The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) returns to South America this week for Rally Chile Bio Bío 2025, where the closest championship battle in more than two decades enters a decisive phase.

Just nine points separate leader Elfyn Evans from third-placed Sébastien Ogier, with reigning champion Kalle Rovanperä wedged in between, only seven points behind Evans. Not since 2003 – the year Petter Solberg sealed his world crown – has a WRC season reached round 11 with such a tight three-way fight for the title.

Evans, Ogier, Rovanperä in Intense Title Battle

Evans (Toyota Gazoo Racing) hopes Chile’s stages, reminiscent of his native Wales, will provide wet conditions on Friday to ease the challenge of running first on the road. “If it’s dry, it’s difficult. But if it rains, it can get muddy and slippery like Wales – then it’s not so bad to open,” he explained.

Ogier, celebrating his 200th WRC start, enters in top form after winning Rally Paraguay. The Frenchman is chasing a record-equalling ninth world title, while Rovanperä, last year’s Chile winner, looks to bounce back after tyre drama cost him victory in Paraguay.

Toyota Leads, Hyundai and M-Sport in Pursuit

Toyota Gazoo Racing arrives with a commanding 100-point lead in the manufacturers’ standings, fielding five GR Yaris Rally1 cars for Evans, Ogier, Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.

Hyundai Motorsport hopes to cut into Toyota’s advantage with Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville, and Adrien Fourmaux. Tänak, just 18 points adrift of Evans, has won two of his three Chile starts and is seen as a major contender. “The roads here are flowing and smooth – efficiency in driving and set-up makes the difference,” said Tänak.

M-Sport Ford brings a three-car line-up featuring Grégoire Munster, Josh McErlean, and local favourite Alberto Heller, who returns in a Puma Rally1 after a strong showing last year.

WRC2 Adds Extra Drama

The WRC2 battle is equally fierce, with Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel leading the charge in a 19-strong Rally2 field. Both could mathematically secure the title in Chile, though rivals Nikolay Gryazin and Gus Greensmith aim to extend the fight deeper into the season.

Rally Chile Bio Bío: The Challenge Ahead

Back for its fourth WRC edition, Chile has quickly become a driver’s rally, demanding confidence through blind crests and flowing cambered roads. Heavy rain and fog during reconnaissance have raised doubts over pace note accuracy, adding another layer of unpredictability.

Based out of Concepcíon, Chile’s second-largest city, the event covers 306.76km across 16 gravel stages. With unpredictable weather, razor-thin title margins, and national pride on the line, Rally Chile Bio Bío 2025 promises one of the season’s most thrilling chapters.