Champagne already on ice: Toyota can clinch the manufacturers’ title in Chile

Toyota had already had its first chance to clinch the title at the Rally Paraguay. Back then, a six-point lead over Hyundai would have been enough. However, tyre problems and a surprisingly strong performance from Hayden Paddon, who finished second for Hyundai, prevented the title from being decided early. Even Sami Pajari’s victory did nothing to change that.

Now, at the twelfth of 14 World Championship rounds in Chile, Toyota has its next chance – and this time it could lead to the title. Whilst the manufacturers’ championship is on the verge of being decided, the battle for the drivers’ title promises to be thrilling with three World Championship rounds still to come, and a maximum of 105 points still up for grabs. A victory is worth 25 World Championship points, with a further 5 for the Sunday classification and another 5 on the final Power Stage.

Toyota-Pilot Elfyn Evans führt die Rallye-WM an

Foto: Red Bull

The World Championship leader is Toyota driver Elfyn Evans with 216 points. However, his lead is shrinking: Sami Pajari already has 196 points following three consecutive victories. Behind them are Oliver Solberg (175) and Takamoto Katsuta (160). Hyundai is also still in the mix: Adrien Fourmaux is in fifth place with 149 points, just one point ahead of defending champion Sébastien Ogier. Thierry Neuville, the 2019 world champion, also still has a theoretical chance with 129 points.

Evans expects fast, flowing stages in Chile, but sees the weather as the decisive factor. In dry conditions, the surface is initially very loose for the leading cars, whilst tyre wear increases. Smart tyre management will therefore be crucial. Rain, on the other hand, can turn the tracks into slippery muddy trails, whilst thick fog can severely restrict visibility in the forests.

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Rallye Chile: Powerstage

FIA World Rally Championship

13.09.2026 - 18:00

Sebastien Ogier und Sami Pajari in konzentrierter Vorbereitung

Foto: Red Bull

Ogier, too, is hoping for consistent conditions following the tyre problems in Paraguay. Last year’s winner is confident about the challenging gravel tracks and is looking forward to the atmosphere and the rally-mad fans in Chile.

Rally Chile takes place from 10 to 13 September around the Pacific city of Concepción. The programme features 16 special stages covering 311.70 kilometres, with a total distance of 1,170 kilometres.

Zuletzt in überragender Form: Adrien Fourmaux

Foto: XPB

The Chilean gravel differs from that found at many other World Rally Championship events. The tracks are comparatively smooth and mostly free of large stones, but are normally used by heavy timber lorries. Fast, flowing sections alternate with technically demanding stretches.

The weather can change conditions in the blink of an eye: the proximity to the Pacific Ocean often brings fog in the mornings, whilst rain turns the tracks into slippery muddy tracks. In dry conditions, however, tyre wear increases. Blind bends and crests, as well as changing visibility, make precise pace notes particularly important.

Toyota is fielding Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajari, Takamoto Katsuta and Oliver Solberg. Katsuta has a new co-driver in James Fulton. Hyundai is fielding Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux and Esapekka Lappi, whilst M-Sport Ford is sending Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong into the race.

Rallyeambiente in der Pazifikstadt Concepcion vor dem Start 2025

Foto: Red Bull

The WRC2 category is also strongly contested, with 18 Rally2 cars. Among the favourites are championship leader Robert Virves in a Škoda and the Lancia works duo Nikolay Gryazin and Yohan Rossel. Co-favourites Alejandro Cachón and Diego Domínguez will be competing in a Toyota.

In the Junior World Championship, the title will be decided at the fifth and final round of the season. Thanks to double points, the battle is wide open: Calle Carlberg leads with 95 points, whilst Ali Türkkan is just three points behind. Gil Membrado, on 71 points, also remains in contention. All three are driving a Ford Fiesta Rally3 fielded by M-Sport. A total of 56 teams are on the starting list.

For Toyota, the equation is as simple as it gets: one point more than Hyundai – and the sixth consecutive manufacturers’ title is secured.