Concepción, Chile – September 12, 2025: Adrien Fourmaux seized the overnight lead at Rally Chile Bio Bío after Hyundai team-mate Ott Tänak suffered a heartbreaking engine failure on Friday’s final stage. The Frenchman holds a slender 1.0sec advantage over Thierry Neuville, with Sébastien Ogier just 2.3sec adrift in third as the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) heads into a pivotal Saturday.

Fourmaux Inherits Lead After Tänak’s Misfortune

Tänak looked in control for much of Friday, overturning early leader Elfyn Evans to build a near 10-second cushion. But disaster struck 5.6km into the day’s longest stage, when his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 ground to a halt with engine issues.

That handed Fourmaux his first-ever WRC overnight lead. “It is the first time we are leading a rally at the end of the first day, so it is positive for us but it is a shame for Ott,” said the Frenchman, chasing a maiden WRC victory.

Neuville Bounces Back After Set-Up Changes

Team-mate Neuville struggled in the slippery morning conditions but found renewed pace after major set-up adjustments between loops. With drier roads in the afternoon, the Belgian surged into contention, praising a “way better” car while admitting he was “still far from good.”

Ogier Delivers Standout Stage Win

Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier produced the standout drive of the day, winning SS6 by 3.1sec to leap into third overall. Making his 200th WRC start, the Toyota ace trails Fourmaux by just 2.3sec after also benefitting from midday set-up tweaks. “I cannot do more,” reflected Ogier, who was on the limit all day.

Evans Falls Back, Pajari Shines

Championship leader Elfyn Evans endured a punishing afternoon as road-cleaning duties cost him dearly. The Welshman slipped from first to fifth, losing 14.2sec on the final stage alone. He was overtaken by Toyota team-mate Sami Pajari, who sits fourth overnight after a strong run on SS6.

Mixed Fortunes for Rivals

• Takamoto Katsuta is sixth, despite battling balance issues in his Toyota.
• Grégoire Munster recovered from a broken gear linkage to end the day seventh.
• Defending Chile winner Kalle Rovanperä dropped to eighth after a debeaded tyre ruined his morning, though he showed improved pace later.
• Oliver Solberg leads WRC2 and sits ninth overall, with rivals Yohan Rossel and Gus Greensmith both retiring.
• Josh McErlean rounds out the top 10 despite losing over a minute to a high-speed spin.

Rally Chile Bio Bío – Top 6 Standings After SS6

1. Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – 57m 48.5s
2. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) – +1.0s
3. Sébastien Ogier (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +2.3s
4. Sami Pajari (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +11.2s
5. Elfyn Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +13.1s
6. Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) – +41.0s

Heavy Rain Ahead

The rally now heads into Saturday’s six stages, covering nearly 140km of competitive action. With heavy rain forecast overnight, changing conditions promise another dramatic shake-up in Chile.