Ogier Ties WRC Record as Evans Misses Title in Saudi Rally
Sebastien Ogier clinches a record-equalling ninth World Rally Championship title, denying Elfyn Evans a first crown after a dramatic Rally Saudi Arabia finale.
In a dramatic season finale, Sebastien Ogier clinched a record-equalling ninth World Rally Championship title, denying Elfyn Evans a first crown. Evans had a three-point lead heading into Rally Saudi Arabia but could not seal the championship.
Saudi Arabia rally drama
Ogier finished third in the desert event won by Thierry Neuville. Evans ended sixth, but he salvaged nine bonus points by winning the final stage, shaping the final standings. The result left Ogier four points ahead of Evans after 14 rounds.
Evans, aged 36, described the rally as a tough test and said his late push showed the margins are extremely fine in the world championship. Ogier, 41, praised the level of competition, noting that strong rivals pushed him to the limit all year long.
Several drivers criticized the Saudi rally conditions, calling the event unpredictable and described as a kind of lottery. On the penultimate stage, Martins Sesks suffered two punctures, Takamoto Katsuta rolled in soft sand, and Kalle Rovanpera had to stop to change a wheel, reshuffling the leaderboard.
The late twists allowed Neuville to win the rally and provided Ogier with breathing space ahead of Evans in the title race.
Season standings
- Sebastien Ogier (France) – Toyota, 293 points
- Elfyn Evans (Great Britain) – Toyota, 289 points
- Kalle Rovanpera (Finland) – Toyota, 256 points
- Ott Tänak (Estonia) – Hyundai, 216 points
- Thierry Neuville (Belgium) – Hyundai, 194 points
- Takamoto Katsuta (Japan) – Toyota, 122 points
Selected other standings included Josh McErlean (Ireland) in 11th with 28 points and Gus Greensmith (Great Britain) in 14th with 14 points.
What this means for Evans
Evans has finished as runner-up in the world championship on three occasions, with another near miss in 2025 now memorably added to the list. He will again look to close the gap next season and challenge for the title once more.
Expert comment
Expert analysis: The season showcased Ogier’s experience and Evans’ speed, highlighting the high level of competition in WRC. The final rally underlined how small margins and tough conditions can decide the championship.
Short summary
Ogier earns a ninth title, tying the all-time record and marking a remarkable career milestone. Evans finishes as runner-up for the third time, keeping hopes alive for a future title bid. Neuville’s rally win reshapes momentum as the series heads into 2025, reaffirming the depth and intensity of WRC competition.
Key insight: In world rallying, a season can hinge on a single, high-stakes rally where tough conditions and late twists determine the champion. Source: BBC Sport