The eight-time world champion lands in Gran Canaria to compete in the WRC Rally Islas Canarias, an event that promises to make history.
The 2025 Canary Islands Rally will not only make history with its debut on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, but also because it will feature the participation of one of the sport's greatest legends: Sébastien Ogier. Eight-time world champion, the French driver has confirmed his presence in Gran Canaria to compete in an event that, after years of struggle, has finally achieved international recognition.
Born in 1983 in Gap, France, Ogier entered rallying later than usual, but that didn't hinder his meteoric career. In 2008, he was crowned Junior World Champion, and from then on, an era of absolute dominance in the WRC began. First with Volkswagen, then with M-Sport, and most recently with Toyota, he has racked up eight world titles and over 60 championship victories, cementing himself as one of the greatest of all time.
In 2021, he announced his full-time retirement from the WRC, but has continued to compete in selected events. His most recent victory, at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Rally, proved that, despite his 40 years of age, he remains one of the fastest drivers in the world. Now, his return to competition in Gran Canaria, apart from becoming an added incentive for local fans, becomes a personal challenge for the Frenchman, who will attempt to win the title on a terrain where he has never competed before.
The event, which will take place from April 24 to 27, will transform the south and southeast of the island into the epicenter of motorsport for a few days. With unforgiving asphalt sections, narrow roads, tight corners, and constant changes of pace, Ogier and the other drivers will be tested, as they will have to push their machines to the limit to master a route as spectacular as it is treacherous.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is not messing around and is landing on the island with five cars, including the eight-time world champion and his teammate Elfyn Evans, the current championship leader, who is aiming to beat Hyundai's Belgian Thierry Neuville, the 2024 champion.
Now only one question remains: will Ogier score another victory on his first visit to Gran Canaria, or will the new generation of drivers take the cake?
