Monte Carlo Rally: Ogier Secures Record-Breaking 10th Win

Sebastien Ogier made history by winning his 10th Monte Carlo Rally, extending his record in the prestigious event. Ogier, driving for Toyota, finished ahead of teammate Elfyn Evans and Hyundai's Adrien Fourmaux.

Sebastien Ogier, the 41-year-old French driver, credited his “lucky star” for guiding him to a record-extending 10th Monte Carlo Rally victory on Sunday. Ogier, an eight-time former world champion, secured the season-opening win, which he first achieved in 2009, with his Welsh Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans finishing second.

#RallyeMonteCarlo never disappoints! Huge fight up to the last stage and in the end it’s win number 10 for me on this rally that made me dream so much… Just crazy! It's also the perfect start for @TGR_WRC so I couldn't ask for more! pic.twitter.com/j43HWZd8nc

— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) January 26, 2025

Ogier, who is competing part-time this season, took the lead in the historic event on Friday afternoon and never looked back. With his intimate knowledge of the roads, Ogier cruised to victory, finishing nearly 20 seconds ahead of Evans. This win cemented his status as the master of Monte Carlo, and Ogier was ecstatic about his achievement. “I don't know where to start, what a weekend!” he exclaimed.

What a weekend! I had my lucky star with me, my uncle who we lost just one year ago. This one is for him 🙏💫#RallyeMonteCarlo pic.twitter.com/Aq0wIzTLXk

— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) January 26, 2025

Ogier dedicated his victory to his late uncle, who passed away a year ago. He believes his uncle's spirit was guiding him throughout the rally. “I think I have my lucky star with me this weekend. It was my uncle who we lost one year ago,” Ogier said. “I am sure he was bringing me everything, and this one is for him.”

Looking ahead to the future, Ogier was uncertain whether he would return to compete in the Monte Carlo Rally in 2026. When asked about his plans, Ogier replied, “I have no idea if it is my last one now. It would be a good place to stop.”

✨ RALLYE MONTE-CARLO WINNERS ✨

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/sc1q8lHDGJ

— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) January 26, 2025

Adrien Fourmaux, Ogier's fellow Frenchman, secured the third spot on the podium, driving a Hyundai. With this result, the World Rally Championship (WRC) standings take shape, with Ogier leading the pack on 33 points, followed by Elfyn Evans on 26 points, and Fourmaux trailing by six points. The WRC season will resume next month in Sweden.

Defending world champion Thierry Neuville had a subdued start to his title defense, finishing sixth on Sunday. Neuville, the bespectacled Belgian, took the result in stride, saying, “It is what it is. We're gonna learn from it and look forward to Sweden.” Despite the lackluster performance, Neuville remains focused on the upcoming challenges in the WRC season.

Kalle Rovanpera, the 2022 and 2023 champion, had a disappointing weekend, finishing fourth. Rovanpera, who took a semi-sabbatical last season but still managed to win four of the seven rallies he participated in, was philosophical about the outcome. “Disappointing weekend for sure, not the result we wanted,” he shrugged. Looking ahead to the next rally in Sweden, Rovanpera added, “Let's see in Sweden if we can remember how to drive a rally car or not.”