WRC
Ogier savours ninth world title after intense season finale
Sébastien Ogier reflected on “one of the strongest seasons” of his career after sealing a ninth FIA World Rally Championship title at Rally Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing driver wrapped up the crown following a year marked by six victories from 11 starts, remarkable consistency and a title fight that went all the way to the final day of the campaign.
With the championship on the line, Ogier said the closing stages were “exhausting” but hugely satisfying.
“Finally a smile,” he said. “It’s been an intense week and there were a lot of parameters to manage. I always try to control as much as I can, that’s my approach to racing, and this was a rally where you had to stay sharp and adapt. Small things could have changed the outcome completely, so I’m very happy with how we handled it. The luck of the champion was on our side again.”
Ogier’s part-time programme has been one of the defining storylines of 2025. Despite missing three rallies, he remained in the title picture throughout, winning on every surface and carrying the fight to Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans deep into the season.
“It’s been an incredible run this year,” he explained. “Probably the strongest I’ve ever had in the sport. Yes, I did three fewer rallies, but my average points have been pretty incredible. Even mid-season I was starting second on the road in Greece, so it’s a bit short to say it was all about road position. We’ve performed at a very high level.”
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Ogier’s latest title draws him level with long-time rival Sébastien Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena at the top of the WRC record books. While he insists numbers have never been the driving force, he acknowledged the significance of joining them.
“Of course it means something. It would be indecent to say you’re not happy to join such a legend,” he smiled. “After my last title in 2021 I never really set a target, but joining him and Daniel on top of the records feels good.”
Ogier has already committed to around 10 starts in 2026, though he was quick to play down any talk of chasing a tenth world crown.
“I’ve announced 10 rallies,” he joked. “Ten titles? That’s a bit too early to talk about.”
