The championship was sealed when Ogier finished third in the season finale in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and was also the fastest driver on Super Saturday. The title lifted Ogier level with his compatriot Sébastien Loeb, who secured nine consecutive World Championships between 2004 and 2012.
Ogier claimed his first four titles with Volkswagen in 2013–16, followed by two in a row with M-Sport Ford. With Toyota, he has now won the championships in 2020–21 and 2025. For Ogier’s current co-driver Vincent Landais, this was his first title.
“What a season and what a battle with Elfyn and Scott (co-driver Martin). They pushed us all the way to the final stage of the season. A huge thank you to the team. I’m proud to be part of this team,” Ogier said emotionally.
Welshman Elfyn Evans once again had to settle for World Championship silver, despite winning the season-ending Power Stage, as Ogier was second. The gap between the pair was ultimately just four points.
“It was a tough rally. We did what we could. The puncture on Saturday morning didn’t help. That was just how this rally went — everyone had them at some point. You always want more. Still, it was a great season and we have an amazing team. A big thank you to everyone,” Evans summed up.
Toyota’s Finnish star Kalle Rovanperä bowed out of the rally stages with World Championship bronze. In the season finale, Rovanperä had to settle for seventh due to his starting position and punctures.
“It has been incredible. First of all, a huge thank you to Jonne (Halttunen). We’ve had some great moments together. Thanks to everyone who has been with us on this journey. Congratulations to Seb if he wins the championship. He has truly earned it. He has been very good this year,” Rovanperä said.
The season-ending rally was won by Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville. The defending champion took his only victory of the year in Saudi Arabia. Hyundai’s difficult season ended with a one-two, as Adrien Fourmaux finished second ahead of Ogier and Toyota’s Finnish driver Sami Pajari.
Final results of Rally Saudi Arabia:
| POS. | Driver | Car | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | 3:21:17.3 |
| 2. | Adrien Fourmaux | Hyundai | +54.7 |
| 3. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | +1:03.3 |
| 4. | Sami Pajari | Toyota | +1:51.7 |
| 5. | Takamoto Katsuta | Toyota | +1:59.9 |
| 6. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | +3:43.9 |
| 7. | Kalle Rovanperä | Toyota | +5:31.5 |
| 8. | Gregoire Munster | Ford | +7:07.2 |
| 9. | Josh McErlean | Ford | +8:30.5 |
Super Sunday results:
| POS. | Driver | Car | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Sebastien Ogier | Toyota | 37:47.7 |
| 2. | Elfyn Evans | Toyota | +0.8 |
| 3. | Thierry Neuville | Hyundai | +6.1 |
| 4. | Adrien Fourmaux | Hyundai | +6.6 |
| 5. | Sami Pajari | Toyota | +26.4 |
Rally Saudi Arabia itinerary (CET):
Wednesday 26 November
09:01 Shakedown: Thahban (4.56 km)
18:35 SS1: Jameel Motorsport Super Special 1 (5.22 km)
Thursday 27 November
06:08 SS2: Al Faisaliyah 1 (19.36 km)
07:06 SS3: Moon Stage 1 (20.12 km)
08:04 SS4: Khulais 1 (11.33 km)
10:14 Service (40 min)
12:22 SS5: Al Faisaliyah 2 (19.36 km)
13:20 SS6: Moon Stage 2 (20.12 km)
14:18 SS7: Khulais 2 (11.33 km)
17:28 Service (45 min)
18:31 SS8: Jameel Motorsport Super Special 2 (5.22 km)
Friday 28 November
06:26 SS9: Alghulah 1 (11.69 km)
07:19 SS10: Um Al Jerem 1 (30.58 km)
08:35 SS11: Wadi Almatwi 1 (24.90 km)
10:15 Service (40 min)
11:51 SS12: Alghulah 2 (11.69 km)
12:47 SS13: Um Al Jerem 2 (30.58 km)
14:05 SS14: Wadi Almatwi 2 (24.90 km)
Saturday 29 November
07:05 SS15: Thahban 1 (16.29 km)
08:21 SS16: Asfan (33.28 km)
11:15 SS17: Thahban 2 (16.29 km) *Power Stage
