Ogier widens lead in Rally Chile

Sebastien Ogier has solidified his position in Rally Chile, extending his lead over Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans to 10.3 seconds as the event nears its conclusion. The eight-time world champion entered the final day with a 6.3-second advantage, which he successfully increased during the first three stages of the day. This performance marked a significant comeback for Ogier, who faced challenges earlier in the rally but dominated the afternoon stages, winning all three and taking control on his 200th FIA World Rally Championship start.

Evans, currently leading the overall championship standings, initially performed well in the wet conditions but began to feel the pressure as Ogier found his pace on the drying roads. Despite losing 5.3 seconds in the final test of the day, Evans remained in contention for the title, emphasizing the need for a careful yet aggressive approach in the remaining stages.

Huyndai's Adrien Fourmaux held onto third place but fell 43.7 seconds behind Ogier, expressing frustration over his car's lack of traction and performance in the conditions. Thierry Neuville, also from Huyndai, is in fourth place, struggling with setup issues that have hindered his speed. Sami Pajari sits in fifth, while Kalle Rovanperä, the defending champion, is in sixth, over a minute adrift but determined to secure points in the final stages.

The rally has presented drivers with long, technical stages through dense forests and coastal ranges, demanding both precision and endurance. The event has drawn large crowds, with fans passionately supporting the competitors, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for rallying in Chile since the championship's return to South America.

As Ogier pursues his first victory of the season, he acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Evans. Both drivers are aware that every second will count in the final stages, with the championship and constructors' battle at stake. The finale will feature four special stages, including the Los Ángeles Power Stage, which offers valuable bonus points that could be crucial in the title fight. With Ogier and Evans separated by a narrow margin, the anticipation builds for a thrilling conclusion that could be decided in the final moments of the rally.