Since returning to the World Rally Championship in 2017, Toyota has achieved widespread success. But the Sardinian gravel rally has remained one of the team’s most persistent stumbling blocks.
Before last weekend, Toyota had only won in Sardinia once. That sole victory came in 2021 when Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans delivered a stunning 1–2 finish for the Japanese manufacturer. Since then, however, Sardinia has mostly been Hyundai’s domain.
That changed on Sunday as Ogier ended Toyota’s long drought by securing victory ahead of Hyundai’s Ott Tänak. A year ago, Ogier lost the win on the final stage due to a puncture—and even this time, he made a small mistake on the Power Stage. But this time, his lead held.
“For us, TGR-WRT, Sardinia is truly a tough event. We had faced the challenge of this event eight times previously and we had only won once. Almost every year, someone ended up retiring early, leaving our competition to take the win,” said Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation and also of the WRC team.
“Ott lost victory on the Power Stage in 2019, and Seb missed it in 2024, also on the final stage. Last year, Seb missed out on winning by just 0.2 seconds due to trouble, which was really frustrating for us.”
Now, both Toyota and chairman Toyoda have reason to celebrate. In addition to Ogier’s victory, all five Toyota drivers finished in the top seven. Hyundai had a much tougher time—only Tänak reached the finish without major issues.
“This year, we had a close call in the Power Stage, and Seb redeemed himself! It’s a wonderful fifth victory for him in Sardinia. I am very thankful to Seb and Vincent (co-driver Landais),” Toyoda praised.
“The team experienced several issues, including Takamoto’s roll, but I’m also happy that all five cars completed the rally without any retirements and made it back to the finish. Being challenged on such a tough road helps us become stronger.”
The next round of the WRC season will be the Acropolis Rally in Greece at the end of June. Toyota heads into the summer break with a commanding position: a 1–2–3 lead in the drivers’ standings. Elfyn Evans leads the championship ahead of Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, who finished third in Sardinia.
