The World Rally Championship is once again in the headlines as the exciting twists and turns of the 2025 season keep fans and experts on their toes. The Greek Rally is just around the corner, but eyes are already turning to the upcoming events, especially the Estonian Rally in July. Toyota’s triple lead in the series – with Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä – has created a unique setup where every decision can change the direction of the championship battle. Now the rally world’s attention is particularly focused on Kalle Rovanperä and his teammate Sebastien Ogier, as experts expect significant news in the near future. Rally analyst Andrea Gambardella has pointed out that Rovanperä and Ogier’s decisions about their participation in the upcoming rallies could decide a lot.
Toyota’s dominance in the WRC this season has been impressive. Elfyn Evans holds the top spot with a 19-point lead over Ogier and a 20-point lead over Rovanperä. This tight points battle makes every round extremely important, and Rally Estonia in particular has become the focus of discussion. According to Andrea Gambardella Rally, registration for Rally Estonia will close shortly after the Greek round, and this moment could be a turning point for the entire season. Kalle Rovanperä, the reigning world champion and a big favorite of Finnish fans, has been in strong form, but his teammate Ogier’s plans are now attracting great interest.
Sebastien Ogier, the eight-time world champion, initially announced that he would only drive half of the season in 2025. However, his performances have been so impressive that many believe he is considering changing his plans. Ogier’s recent victory in the Sardinian Rally and his rise in the points table over Rovanperä have shown that he is still one of the best in the sport. Ogier has shown confidence and passion in his preparation for Rally Greece, but his participation in Rally Estonia is still open. Gambardella stresses that if Ogier decides to drive in Estonia, it could mean that he is ready to fight for the world title in earnest – possibly even against Rovanperä and Evans.
Rovanperä’s situation is equally intriguing. The young Finn has shown time and time again why he is one of the brightest stars in the world of rallying. His driving style, which combines explosive speed with tactical intelligence, has made him a trusted driver for Toyota. However, Ogier’s strong performances and a possible decision to continue beyond the season are putting pressure on Rovanperä. According to Gambardella, if Ogier takes part in Rally Estonia and possibly also in Rally Finland, the fight for the World Championship could take a completely new direction. On the other hand, if Ogier sticks to his original plan and misses these events, his chances of winning the championship will be significantly reduced, which could open the door for Rovanperä and Evans.
The Estonian Rally Championship is particularly important for Finnish fans, as it is held close to Finland and in many ways resembles the legendary Finnish Rally Championship. The route, filled with fast gravel roads and jumps, is particularly suited to Rovanperä’s driving style, and he is expected to be one of the early favourites. Rovanperä has previously shown that he can excel on his home turf, and his performance in Estonia could be decisive in the championship battle. However, Ogier’s participation would bring added excitement, as the Frenchman’s experience and ability to adapt to different conditions always make him a dangerous opponent.
There is now a lot of speculation among experts about what Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and his team will decide about Ogier’s participation. Latvala himself has previously praised both Rovanperä and Ogier’s contributions to the team, but he will have to make strategic decisions that could affect the outcome of the entire season. Toyota’s triple leadership gives the team a strong position, but at the same time it creates internal competition that can be both a blessing and a challenge. The dynamic between Rovanperä and Ogier has been constructive so far, but if Ogier decides to pursue the championship, the competition could also intensify within the team.
Gambardella’s analysis highlights that the significance of Rally Estonia goes far beyond the event itself. It is the moment when the top of the World Rally Championship can finally make a difference. For Rovanperä, the situation is clear: he must continue his strong performances and seize every opportunity to score points. His experience on fast gravel roads and his ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate to win in Estonia. However, the possible participation of Ogier could change the calculations, as the Frenchman has shown time and again that he can turn even difficult situations into victories.
Rally Greece is an important prelude to these events. Ogier’s participation in Greece has been confirmed, and his performance there could provide an indication of his plans for the rest of the season. Greece’s rugged and rocky roads are a challenge that will test the endurance of drivers and cars. Rovanperä, who is not competing in Greece, is focused on preparing for Estonia, but his team will be closely monitoring Ogier’s performance. If Ogier continues his winning streak in Greece, the pressure will increase even more for his participation in the following rallies.
Toyota’s technical development is also key. The Yaris Rally1 car has proven to be reliable and fast, and the team’s engineers have worked closely with the drivers to fine-tune the settings. The feedback from Rovanperä and Ogier has been invaluable, helping Toyota maintain its advantage over rivals such as Hyundai and M-Sport Ford. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville in particular has been a strong contender, and his performance in Greece could have an impact on the points battle.
Rally fans are eagerly awaiting news that could change the course of the season. “It’s a matter of time,” as Gambardella says, and it will soon be clear what Ogier and Rovanperä decide. Ogier’s possible participation in Estonia would bring with it a huge amount of interest, as the battle between him and Rovanperä would not only be exciting from a sporting perspective but also symbolically significant: a battle between a young champion and a seasoned legend. On the other hand, if Ogier sticks to his holiday, Rovanperä has the opportunity to climb back to the top of the standings.
Kalle Rovanperä’s story has been inspiring from the start. Starting out as a youngster, the Finn has risen to the top of the rallying world in an unprecedented way, and his ability to handle pressure has made him a fan favorite. Now, with the 2025 season at a turning point, it’s time for Rovanperä to show that he’s ready to defend his position. Ogier’s shadow looms large, but Rovanperä has everything he needs to once again rise to the limelight. The rallies in Greece and Estonia are just the prelude to what’s to come for the rest of the season, and fans can expect an unforgettable battle.
