Ogier initially planned to compete in about half of the WRC events last season. However, he ended up participating in ten rallies as Toyota pushed for him to fight for the drivers’ championship and assist the team in the manufacturers’ title battle.
Ogier’s hopes for a ninth championship title were dashed in the autumn after retirements in the Chile and Central European rallies. Toyota, however, celebrated the manufacturers’ title at the season’s end, as Hyundai’s hopes crumbled on the final day of competition with Ott Tänak’s retirement.
This year, the same level of pressure won’t rest on Ogier’s shoulders. His workload will be eased by the return of Kalle Rovanperä as a full-time driver for Toyota.
Ogier has high expectations for Rovanperä.
“I certainly expect Kalle to be competing for the title again, and I think it’s good for the team to have him back full-time,” Ogier told RallyJournal.com.
“So, on that side, I probably won’t need to do more races next year, and that’s definitely not the plan,” Ogier emphasised.
Rovanperä competed in seven WRC events last season and also tested his skills in circuit racing. His lighter rally schedule was designed to allow him to recharge and return to the stages in peak form for 2025.
“I’m sure Kalle will come back as strong as ever,” Ogier said confidently.
The 2025 WRC season begins with the Rally Monte Carlo from 23–26 January, an event that is naturally part of Ogier’s schedule.
