WRC 2025: Is the Title Race Heating Up After Finland?

Hello Rally Fanatics,
What a shake-up we’ve witnessed at Secto Rally Finland!

Kalle Rovanperä’s blistering win on home soil wasn’t just symbolic—it was strategic. After crashes in both 2023 and 2024 editions, his 2025 triumph feels like redemption. “Quite an amazing feeling… We really worked hard for this one… driving really on the limit this weekend,” Kalle said, visibly emotional at the finish line. He now sits just 3 points behind Elfyn Evans in the championship standings, 176 to 173. The battle is razor-tight.

But that’s not all—Sébastien Ogier, who secured P3 in Finland, has now officially tossed his hat into the championship ring. Tied at 163 points with Hyundai’s Ott Tänak, the eight-time champ made his intentions clear: “The championship was not my target, but as it stands with two races left, I have a chance in the fight—and I will be starting the next race.”

Pressure? Squarely on Hyundai.

Tänak, despite showing promise in Estonia, limped home 10th in Finland. Thierry Neuville could only manage 6th, and Adrien Fourmaux didn’t finish. The team is reeling. With only two rounds remaining, their title hopes are dimming fast.

Meanwhile, Ford’s Puma team is practically in “internship mode” this season. With no wins and no strong podium contention, it’s clear they’re playing the long game, banking on rookies like Martins Sesks and Josh McErlean to gain experience.

And what about the controversial Hankook tyres? Despite complaints, they’re here to stay. Perhaps the better strategy is for manufacturers to adapt rather than resist. Rally isn’t just about power—it’s about how well you adapt to the terrain and the tools.

Looking ahead to Rally Paraguay, it’s going to be a thriller. Can Evans hold off Kalle’s charge? Will Ogier snatch the unlikeliest of titles? Can Hyundai turn the tide before it’s too late?

We’re down to the wire—and this title fight is far from over.