When rewinding the thread of such a rich career since his first steps in the WRC in 2008, Sébastien Ogier will undoubtedly think back with emotion to his many successes, with his heart even a little tighter as he recalls those acquired on his roads, in the south of France. The eight-time world champion shone brightly in Monte-Carlo, the inaugural round of the WRC, which he has already won eight times.
Insatiable, the Gapençais will go on the attack again on January 23 to try to add a ninth victory to his record. To do this, he will have to do better than last year, when first place slipped through his fingers in favor of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). The Belgian had launched his season perfectly by stocking up on points thanks to a new puzzle scale, partly simplified for this new exercise.
Ogier – Neuville, act II?
Relieved of the full-time presence of Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, engaged on partial programs, the Hyundai driver continued his quest for a first coronation acquired at the end of last season, ending the series of five second places at Poulidor rallies. Now the driver of the No. 1 car, the native of Saint-Vith will be chasing a second title and a third success in the Monte-Carlo.
His main opponent this season will undoubtedly be Kalle Rovanperä, back full-time. The Finn, double world champion (2022, 2023) returns with fierce hunger and overflowing ambition to Monaco, to an event that he has never won before. It will be part of the armada of five Toyotas present at the start of the Shakedown in Gap on Wednesday January 22.
In addition to champions Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä, the TGR hires Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, as in 2024, as well as Sami Pajari, established after successful stints last season and a WRC2 championship title. Faced with the Japanese armada, the Koreans of Hyundai respond with three cars: Thierry Neuville will be accompanied by Ott Tänak, 2019 world champion, and Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, author of a great season with Ford M-Sport (5 podiums ). His former team replaced him with debutant Joshua McErlean and maintained their faith in Grégoire Munster. There will therefore be ten crews in Rally1 departing from Gap to launch the season, hopefully, in the most beautiful way.
Entrants in the 2025 Monte-Carlo Rally
Toyota
- Sébastien Ogier – Vincent Landais
- Kalle Rovanperä – Jonne Halttunen
- Elfyn Evans – Scott Martin
- Takamoto Katsuta – Aaron Johnston
- Sami Pajari – Marko Salminen
Hyundai
- Thierry Neuville – Martin Wydaeghe
- Ott Tänak – Martin Järveoja
- Adrien Fourmaux – Alexandre Coria
Ford M-Sport
- Grégoire Munster – Louis Louka
- Joshua McErlean – Eoin Treacy
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To summarize
Eight-time winner of the event, Sébastien Ogier will compete in the Monte-Carlo Rally with the intention of adding a ninth success to his record, even if there is no shortage of adversity in the wake of Thierry Neuville, world champion and winner of the Monte-Carl' in 2024.
