Running second overall behind Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Kalle Rovanperä, Ogier understeered wide in a leaf-covered high-speed section, his GR Yaris Rally1 striking a tree and sustaining major front-left damage. The impact, measured at around 10G, ripped the wheel from the car. Both Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais were unharmed.
The incident – unerringly similar to the one the Frenchman experienced on this very rally one year ago – leaves Rovanperä clear at the top, the Finn winning the 21.95km test by 6.4sec from Elfyn Evans to extend his overall advantage to 38.4sec. Ogier had begun the stage seven-tenths of a second behind Rovanperä having lost his lead – which stood at 0.6sec on Friday night – on the previous test.
Ogier’s retirement could prove decisive in the battle for the drivers’ title. With the 41-year-old sidelined, Evans is provisionally on course to move into the championship lead while Rovanperä also remains firmly in contention.
Toyota still occupies four of the top six positions and remains on the brink of securing the 2025 manufacturers’ crown this weekend.
