The World Rally Championship has once again provided drama and excitement as living legend, Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier, has emerged as one of the series’ most convincing drivers in the first half of the 2025 season. Victory in the Sardinia Rally was yet another demonstration of the French eight-time world champion’s superior skill and experience. Now, with the Greek Rally just around the corner, Ogier is brimming with confidence and ready to take on a new challenge. His words in the Toyota press release say a lot about his state of mind: he is ready to fight, even if the road to victory is not easy.
Ogier has had an exceptional season, despite only driving for half a season. The victory in Sardinia was a significant milestone for the Frenchman, as it moved him into second place in the championship standings, ahead of Finnish star driver Kalle Rovanperä. This came as a surprise to many, as Rovanperä has been Toyota’s number one hope and the reigning world champion in recent years. Ogier’s rise to the top of the standings shows that his experience and driving skills are still second to none, even though he is not competing in every event. In his preparation for Rally Greece, Ogier has shown that he is not going to slow down, but on the contrary, he is ready to challenge his younger rivals.
The Greek Rally Championship will bring new challenges, but Ogier is used to facing them. The Greek Rally route is known for its rugged and rocky roads, which test both the driver’s skills and the car’s endurance. In addition, the high temperatures increase the physical strain and make tyre control even more important. However, Ogier is optimistic. “The challenges in Greece are not very different, high temperatures and rough and rocky surfaces, and hopefully we can be strong again in these conditions,” he said. His words show that he trusts not only his own skills but also the Toyota technical team, who have done an excellent job in developing the car.
One of the biggest challenges for Ogier in Rally Greece is his starting position. Second in the championship standings, he will be the second car to take to the track on Friday, just behind series leader Elfyn Evans. This means he will be driving on a road that is still full of loose gravel, which slows down the pace and makes driving more challenging. Ogier is aware of this challenge, but his attitude is characteristically determined. “Friday could be another challenging day for the team because of the starting positions, and this time I will be second, so it could be even harder to win, but I am not afraid of a challenge, so we will see what we can do,” he reflected. This comment encapsulates Ogier’s mentality: he does not let the conditions discourage him, but sees them as an opportunity to show what he can do.
Ogier’s success has also been a source of joy for Finnish rally fans, even though he overtook Kalle Rovanperä in the points table. Rovanperä, who has been Toyota’s number one driver in recent years, has had a strong season, but Ogier’s experience and tactical intelligence have given him the edge. However, Finnish fans can be proud that Toyota has once again shown itself to be at the top of the rallying world, thanks to the performances of both Ogier and Rovanperä. Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala has praised Ogier’s contribution and stressed that his experience has been invaluable to younger drivers like Rovanperä.
The preparation for Rally Greece has been intense for the Toyota team. Ogier’s testing since Sardinia shows that the team has been particularly focused on the car’s set-up, which is crucial in conditions like Greece. Toyota’s WRC car, the Yaris Rally1, has proven to be reliable and fast, and Ogier’s ability to provide precise feedback on the car’s development has helped the team to further refine its performance. This is particularly important as the competition in the World Rally Championship is tighter than ever. Hyundai and M-Sport Ford are also strong, with Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville in particular having been a strong contender all season.
Ogier’s confidence and easy-going attitude have also rubbed off on his team. His ability to remain calm under pressure is one of the reasons he has won eight world championships. Even though he has only been racing for half a season, his impact on the series has been enormous. Many pundits have begun to speculate whether Ogier could still be aiming for a ninth championship, even though he himself has repeatedly said that he is focused on enjoying driving without pressure. However, his passion for the sport is evident in every comment and performance he makes.
Rally Greece is also an important event for the World Rally Championship, as it is one of the most technically challenging events of the season. The route’s iconic special stages, such as Elatia and Tarzan, are legendary and provide drivers with the opportunity to showcase their skills. Ogier has plenty of experience in Greece, having won the rally several times during his career. His knowledge of the route and ability to adapt to changing conditions make him the early favourite once again, even if the starting position poses challenges.
Finnish fans will also be looking to Kalle Rovanperä, who will not be competing in Rally Greece as he will focus on the next round in Estonia. Rovanperä has had a strong season, but Ogier’s rise in the points table is a sign that the World Rally Championship is full of surprises. Fans can look forward to an exciting final season as Ogier, Rovanperä, Evans and Neuville battle it out for the championship.
Ogier’s words before the Rally Greece encapsulate his attitude: he is not afraid of challenges, but is looking forward to the opportunity to show what he can do. His confidence is contagious, and it gives us confidence that Toyota can once again celebrate victory. As the special stages of Rally Greece get underway, Ogier is ready to write a new chapter in his legendary career. The entire rallying world will be watching to see what the eight-time champion achieves next.
