French rally driver Sebastien Ogier has made history, securing a record-equalling ninth World Rally Championship (WRC) title.
He edged out Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans by just four points, finishing third in the thrilling season-closer, Rally Saudi Arabia.
Ogier’s decisive move on the penultimate Asfan stage saw him climb from sixth to third, cementing his spot alongside compatriot Sébastien Loeb as the most successful WRC drivers ever.
Ogier, competing part-time for Toyota Gazoo Racing, won six rallies this season despite missing three events. His co-driver, Vincent Landais, also snatched his first world title.
Meanwhile, Kalle Rovanperä’s title hopes were dashed by a costly puncture, ending his WRC journey with a seventh-place finish. The Finnish ace is retiring to pursue single-seater racing with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the Super Formula Championship.
C’est incroyable de voir Ogier égaler ce record, un vrai champion !