Sebastien Ogier secured his seventh World Rally Championship victory at Rally Portugal in 2025, facing a challenging course and tough competition. Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais triumphed in the 24-stage contest, with Toyota continuing their winning streak for the season.
The French driver clinched the win by 8.7 seconds ahead of Ott Tanak, who encountered a power steering failure but still managed to secure second place. Kalle Rovanpera completed the podium, trailing Tanak by 12.2 seconds after an intense battle.
Ogier credited their victory to strategic driving, emphasizing the importance of consistency and endurance in rallying. Despite initial setbacks with his car’s setup, Ogier made crucial adjustments to climb the leaderboard during the demanding stages.
Hyundai initially dominated Friday’s leg, with Tanak and teammate Adrien Fourmaux vying for the lead until Fourmaux’s unfortunate retirement due to mechanical issues. Tanak maintained a strong performance throughout the rally but was plagued by a power steering failure on the penultimate day, allowing Ogier to claim the top spot.
The rally concluded with Ogier holding a comfortable lead over Rovanpera, showcasing his skill and determination in overcoming challenges to secure the historic victory.
