In a bold move to bolster their chances in both the World Rally Championship (WRC) driver and manufacturer standings, Toyota has announced that it will deploy its complete four-car lineup at the upcoming Rally Chile from September 26-29. This marks a critical push as the season heads into its final stretch, with reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä, Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta all set to take on the challenging stages in Concepción.
This will be just the fourth time this season that all four of Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 cars will be in action, following similar full-strength efforts in Portugal, Latvia, and Finland (where Toyota even fielded a fifth car for Sami Pajari). The decision to field a full team highlights Toyota’s determination to close the gap in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.
Rovanperä, who currently trails in the drivers’ standings, had a tough outing at last year’s Rally Chile, struggling with road positioning and tire choices. However, the young Finn will be keen to make amends and contribute vital points to Toyota’s campaign. Meanwhile, Ogier, who sits second in the standings and 27 points behind Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, is Toyota’s best bet for denying Hyundai their first-ever drivers’ title. His experience and previous success in Chile, where he finished second in 2019, could prove crucial.
The manufacturers’ title race is even tighter, with only 20 points separating Toyota from current leaders Hyundai. Ogier’s inclusion in the Chile lineup underscores the importance of this rally in the title fight. Hyundai, not to be outdone, is fielding a strong lineup as well, with Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Esapekka Lappi—who might be making his last appearance for the team—set to compete.
In addition to the top-tier Rally1 category, Rally Chile will feature a strong WRC2 field, with 16 entries. Oliver Solberg, driving a Škoda, is leading the WRC2 title chase and could clinch the championship with a victory in Chile, but he faces stiff competition from rivals like Yohan Rossel and Jan Solans.
With 45 cars on the entry list, Rally Chile promises to be a thrilling and pivotal event as the WRC season enters its decisive phase. All eyes will be on Toyota as they seek to regain momentum and challenge Hyundai for both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ crowns.
