Toyota Gazoo Racing Dominates 2025 Rally Monte Carlo with Historic Victory
the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) kicked off in spectacular fashion as the Toyota Gazoo Racing World rally Team (TGR-WRT) claimed a commanding victory at the iconic Rallye monte-Carlo. Sebastian Ojie and co-driver Vansan Lande, piloting the GR YARIS RALLY1 no. 17, secured their 10th win at the event, marking a historic moment for the team.The final day of the rally, Day 4, saw the drivers tackle a challenging 50.90 km route from the Southern French service park to Monaco. The stages included SS16, SS17, and the decisive SS18, which featured a mix of wet, frozen, and dry conditions. Tire selection became a critical factor,with drivers and engineers working tirelessly to find the optimal setup.
Ojie’s mastery shone through in SS16,where he set the fastest time,extending his lead over second-place Elfyn Evans by 24.3 seconds. Both drivers opted for a combination of four winter tires with metal studs and two slick tires, a decision that paid off handsomely. However, Adrian Formow’s choice of four slick tires in SS17 allowed him to close the gap, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
The final power stage, SS18, presented a mix of conditions, including frozen sections on the high-altitude turini Pass. Ojie once again rose to the occasion,recording the best time and securing his 10th Rally Monte Carlo victory. Evans finished just 0.215 seconds behind, while Formow maintained his overall second place.
The victory was a team effort, with Calle robampella finishing fourth overall and contributing to TGR-WRT’s 1-2 finish in both the overall standings and the power stage. The team earned a total of 60 points, achieving what Chairman Akio Toyoda described as a “perfect rally.”
This win marks Ojie’s 15th victory with TGR-WRT and his third at Rally Monte Carlo,placing him alongside legends like Calle Robanpera and Carlos Sainz in Toyota’s storied history. It also marks the sixth time Toyota has triumphed at this iconic event.
Despite early struggles, Robampella showcased his resilience, improving his pace throughout the rally and ending the season opener on a positive note. Simultaneously occurring, Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Payari were forced to retire after going off-course in SS16.
The 2025 Rally monte Carlo has set the stage for an exciting WRC season, with Toyota Gazoo Racing proving once again why they are a dominant force in the sport.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Winner | Sebastian Ojie/Vansan Lande (GR YARIS RALLY1 No. 17) |
| Second Place | Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Car 33) |
| Fourth Place | Calle robampella/Yone haltunen (Car 69) |
| Total points | 60 (TGR-WRT) |
| Notable Stage | SS18 (turini Pass) |
For more details on the 2025 WRC schedule and results, visit the official WRC coverage.
Stay tuned as the championship unfolds, and don’t miss the next thrilling round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship!
Monte carlo Rally 2024: A Thrilling Start to the Rally Season
Table of Contents
The 2024 Monte Carlo Rally proved to be a test of skill, strategy, and endurance as drivers battled challenging conditions to secure their positions. With icy roads, unpredictable whether, and tire dilemmas, the event lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest rallies in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar.
Sebastian Ojie’s Historic 10th victory
Sebastian Ojie, driving the GR Yaris Rally1 No. 17, made history by clinching his 10th monte Carlo Rally victory. “It’s grate to be able to win the 10th championship in this rally, incredibly happy and proud,” Ojie shared. “This rally gave me a dream of becoming a rally driver. So, if you can win only one event in the season, always choose this rally.”
Ojie’s win was hard-fought, with tire selection and road conditions posing significant challenges. “This year was a big close to the last stage. It was hard to change the condition, select difficult tires, and continue to feel pressure untill the end, but it was good as I managed to control it well,” he added.
Team Toyota’s Dominance
Toyota Gazoo racing had a stellar start to the season, securing a 1-2-4 finish in the overall standings. Team representative Mati-Mati Latbara expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “A truly fantastic and unique feat, with the largest team of 60 points as a team, achieving 1-2-4 finishes in the and won the 10th victory of Larry Monte Carlo,” Latbara said.
However, the rally wasn’t without its setbacks. drivers Sami and Kimoto went off the course, highlighting the event’s unforgiving nature. “Unfortunately,Sami and Kimoto have out of the course,but I should have pushed them to choose safety. For them, this rally was all about gaining experience,” Latbara noted.
Drivers’ Perspectives
Elphin Evans: A Test of Endurance
Elphin Evans, piloting the GR Yaris Rally1 33, described the rally as “a typical rally Monte Carlo, which has been a bit harsher than in recent years.” Evans faced a tough decision regarding tire selection. “At the end, I decided to change the choice of four stud tires, but I didn’t know if it was the right decision. there was no big difference between the two options,” he explained.
Calle Roban Pera: A Satisfying Finish
Calle Roban Pera, driving the GR Yaris Rally1 69, acknowledged the rally’s difficulty but expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “Monte Carlo is always a tough rally, but this year was the same.Personally, it’s a very difficult weekend. I couldn’t get the result or pace I wanted, but I was satisfied because I was able to get many points ” Pera said.
Takamoto Katsuta: A Battle Against the Elements
Takamoto Katsuta, in the GR Yaris Rally1 18, faced a challenging start to the rally. “I knew that the first stage in the morning would be quite difficult, but when I got on the frozen right corner, the facts was not reflected in the pace notes,” Katsuta shared. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic. “Until then, the pace was good, especially on Saturdays, so I think I had a pretty good battle.”
Looking Ahead to Sweden
With Monte Carlo behind them, the teams are now setting their sights on the next challenge: the Rally Sweden. Calle Roban Pera expressed his anticipation, saying, “Next is Sweden, so I’m looking forward to what will happen.”
Key Highlights of the Monte Carlo Rally 2024
| Driver | Team | Position | Key Takeaway |
|————————|———————|————–|———————————————————————————-|
| Sebastian Ojie | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 1st | Secured his 10th Monte Carlo Rally victory, overcoming tire and pressure challenges. |
| Elphin Evans | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 2nd | Faced tough tire decisions but managed to finish strong. |
| Calle roban Pera | toyota Gazoo Racing | 4th | Despite a difficult weekend, secured valuable points for the team. |
| Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota Gazoo Racing | DNF | Struggled with frozen conditions but showed promise in earlier stages. |
Conclusion
The 2024 Monte Carlo Rally was a thrilling start to the WRC season, showcasing the resilience and skill of the drivers and teams. With Toyota Gazoo Racing dominating the podium, the stage is set for an exciting year ahead. As the teams prepare for Rally Sweden, fans can expect more high-octane action and strategic battles.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the WRC season unfolds. For the latest news and highlights, visit the official World Rally Championship website.Sebastien Ogier Dominates Rally Monte Carlo as WRC Shifts Focus to Rally Sweden
The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season kicked off in spectacular fashion at Rally Monte Carlo, with Sebastien Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais securing a commanding victory in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. The duo finished 18.5 seconds ahead of teammates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin, while Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria of Hyundai rounded out the podium.
Rally Monte Carlo Highlights
Ogier’s win marks a strong start to the season for Toyota Gazoo Racing, which also saw Kalle Rovanperä and Jonas halttunen claim fourth place.Despite a challenging weekend, Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja managed to secure fifth for Hyundai, while Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe finished sixth.
However, not all drivers had a smooth run. Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston were forced to retire, as were Sami Pajari and Marco Salminen. Pajari reflected on his performance,stating,“Today’s approach was the same as before,and I didn’t intend to push it hard. However,there was an unexpected frozen braking point,and I made a mistake there.Until then, everything was going as planned, so it was a disappointing ending.”
Driver and Manufacturer Standings
Following the first round, Ogier leads the Driver Championship with 33 points, followed by Evans with 26 and Fourmaux with 20. In the Manufacturer Championship, Toyota Gazoo Racing dominates with 60 points, while Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team trail with 36 and 11 points, respectively.
| Driver Championship | Points |
|————————–|————|
| Sebastien Ogier | 33 |
| Elfyn Evans | 26 |
| adrien Fourmaux | 20 |
| Manufacturer Championship | Points |
|——————————–|————|
| Toyota Gazoo Racing | 60 |
| Hyundai Shell Mobis | 36 |
| M-Sport Ford | 11 |
Rally Sweden: The Ultimate Snow Challenge
The WRC now shifts its focus to rally Sweden, set to take place from February 13 to 16 around Umeå in northern Sweden. Known as the only full snow event in the season, rally Sweden is a unique test of skill and precision. The stages, set on unpaved forest roads covered in snow and ice, demand the use of studded tires for maximum grip.
With its high-speed stages and challenging conditions, Rally Sweden is a fan favorite. The event’s frozen roads and snowy terrain allow drivers to achieve astonishing speeds, making it one of the fastest rallies in the WRC calendar.
What to Expect
As teams prepare for the icy challenge, all eyes will be on Toyota and Hyundai to continue their rivalry. Ogier will aim to extend his championship lead,while Evans and Fourmaux look to close the gap. Meanwhile, drivers like Pajari will be eager to bounce back from their Monte Carlo setbacks.
For the latest updates and results, visit the official WRC website.
Conclusion
Rally Monte carlo set the stage for an exciting 2025 WRC season, with Toyota Gazoo Racing emerging as the early frontrunner. As the championship heads to Rally Sweden, fans can expect thrilling battles on the snow-covered roads of Umeå. Stay tuned for more high-octane action!Toyota’s Dominance in WRC: A New Era for Subaru’s Return?
The World Rally championship (WRC) has long been a battleground for automotive giants, and Toyota’s recent success could pave the way for Subaru’s much-anticipated comeback. Subaru, a brand synonymous with rallying glory, has been absent from the WRC’s top class since its last factory-backed entry. however, whispers of a revival are growing louder, with Toyota’s influence perhaps playing a pivotal role.
Subaru’s legacy in the WRC is undeniable. The marque clinched three consecutive technology that could reignite Subaru’s rally ambitions.
the prospect of Subaru’s return has sparked excitement among motorsport enthusiasts. the brand’s iconic blue and yellow livery, coupled with its reputation for over-the-limit driving, evokes nostalgia for the golden era of rallying. A comeback would not only bolster the WRC’s competitive landscape but also rekindle Subaru’s rallying spirit.
Key Highlights: subaru’s WRC Legacy and Toyota’s Influence
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Subaru’s WRC Titles | Three consecutive manufacturers’ titles (1995-1997) |
| Last Factory Entry | date unknown, but absence from top class since |
| Toyota’s Role | Potential catalyst for Subaru’s return through collaboration or technology |
| Fan Sentiment | High anticipation for Subaru’s comeback |
as the WRC continues to evolve, the potential for Subaru’s return adds a thrilling narrative to the championship.With Toyota’s support, the stage could be set for a rally renaissance, blending past glory with future innovation.
For now, fans can only speculate on the details of Subaru’s potential comeback. But one thing is certain: the WRC landscape would be forever changed by the return of this iconic brand.Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
What are your thoughts on Subaru’s possible return to the WRC? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below!
Interview: Insights on the WRC Rally Sweden and Subaru’s Potential Comeback
Editor: Rally sweden is just around the corner. Can you tell us what makes this event unique in the WRC calendar?
Guest: Absolutely! Rally Sweden is the only full snow event in the WRC season, making it a standout challenge. The stages are set on unpaved forest roads covered in snow and ice, requiring drivers to use studded tires for maximum grip. The high-speed nature of the event, combined with the frozen terrain, allows drivers to achieve remarkable speeds, making it one of the fastest rallies on the calendar.
Editor: Who are the key drivers to watch in this year’s Rally Sweden?
Guest: All eyes will be on Sébastien Ogier, who aims to extend his championship lead. Elfyn Evans and Adrien Fourmaux are also ones to watch as they look to close the gap. Additionally, drivers like Pajari will be eager to bounce back from their setbacks at Rally Monte Carlo.
Editor: What about the manufacturers? How do Toyota and Hyundai stack up heading into this event?
Guest: Toyota Gazoo Racing is currently the frontrunner with 60 points, while Hyundai Shell Mobis is trailing with 36 points. M-Sport Ford is further back with 11 points. The rivalry between Toyota and Hyundai is always intense, and Rally Sweden will be a key battleground for both teams.
Editor: There’s been a lot of talk about Subaru’s potential return to the WRC. Can you shed some light on that?
Guest: Certainly! Subaru’s legacy in the WRC is legendary, with three consecutive manufacturers’ titles from 1995 to 1997. Though, the brand has been absent from the top class for years. Recent reports suggest that Toyota could play a pivotal role in Subaru’s comeback, possibly through collaboration or shared technology.This has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see the iconic blue and yellow livery back on the rally stage.
Editor: What impact would Subaru’s return have on the WRC?
Guest: Subaru’s return would add a thrilling narrative to the championship. It would not only bolster the competitive landscape but also rekindle the brand’s rallying spirit. The potential collaboration with Toyota could bring a blend of past glory and future innovation, making it a fascinating progress for motorsport enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Rally Sweden promises to be an exhilarating event, with top drivers and manufacturers battling it out on the icy roads of Umeå. Meanwhile, the potential return of Subaru to the WRC adds an exciting layer of anticipation for fans.Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!