Image: Ott Tänak (EST) Martin Järveoja (EST) Of Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team are seen performing during the World Rally Championship Paraguay in Encarnacion Just nine points separate championship's top three with four rounds remaining.
The FIA World Rally Championship’s South American adventure continues this week at Rally Chile Bio Bío (11 - 14 September), where the closest title fight in over two decades enters a decisive phase.
Just nine points separate championship leader Elfyn Evans from third-placed Sébastien Ogier, with their Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Kalle Rovanperä sandwiched seven points behind Evans. Not since 2003 - when Petter Solberg secured his sole world title - has the championship arrived at round 11 with such a narrow gap between the frontrunners.
Back for its fourth WRC edition in 2025, Chile has quickly built a reputation as a driver’s rally - rewarding those who can build confidence and carry speed through blind corners and flowing cambers. The gravel roads are smooth and well-built, although reconnaissance conditions have been challenging - with heavy rain and persistent fog limiting visibility and raising doubts over pace note accuracy.
Evans has likened the stage characteristics to those of his native Wales and is hoping for wet conditions on Friday, which would lessen the handicap he faces when opening the road. Current forecasts suggest that rain showers are anticipated late on the opening day.
“If it's dry, we could face the usual challenge on Friday, but if it rains it's not so dissimilar to somewhere like Wales in terms of how muddy and slippery it can get, and then it's not so bad to be first,” he explained. “Either way, the roads are really enjoyable to drive.”
Ogier is celebrating a personal milestone, following in the footsteps of team principal Jari-Matti Latvala by becoming only the second driver in WRC history to contest 200 championship rounds.
His victory in Paraguay less than a fortnight ago - fighting back from an early puncture to claim the silverware - helped thrust the Frenchman firmly into contention for a record-equalling ninth world title. Rovanperä, meanwhile, arrives as the defending Chile winner but must recover from Paraguay's disappointment where a deflation dropped him out of the lead.
Toyota Gazoo Racing holds a commanding 100-point manufacturers' championship lead after nine victories from ten starts. The Japanese marque fields five GR Yaris Rally1 cars in total, with Evans, Rovanperä and Ogier supported by Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari.
Aiming to bridge that gap are Hyundai Motorsport stars Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux. Tänak sits just 18 points behind Evans and boasts a strong Chile record, winning on two of his three previous visits to the South American forests.
“Chile is all about rallying. The roads are exceptionally cool here - they're flowing and smooth at the same time,” said the Estonian. “You have to be as efficient as possible, and that's something that comes through your driving style and car set-up.”
M-Sport Ford completes the manufacturer representation with a three-car entry. Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean are joined by local hero Alberto Heller, who returns to the wheel of a Puma Rally1 for his home event after showing promising pace in 2023.
The WRC2 championship battle also intensifies with key protagonists Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel forming part of the 19-strong Rally2 entry. Both drivers stand a mathematical chance of clinching the title this week, though strong results for rivals Nikolay Gryazin and Gus Greensmith could ensure the fight continues beyond this 11th round.
Based out of Concepcíon, the country’s second-largest city, Rally Chile Bio Bío begins on Thursday and includes 306.76 kilometres of competitive action across 16 special stages.
