Reported
Ogier eyes Latvala's WRC start record in Chile
Sébastien Ogier is poised to equal Jari-Matti Latvala's World Rally Championship start record in Chile, then surpass it.
Sébastien Ogier, a prominent driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team (TGR WRT), is set to equal Jari-Matti Latvala's long-standing record for World Rally Championship (WRC) starts this upcoming weekend in Chile, according to RallyJournal. This achievement places Ogier on the cusp of becoming the most experienced WRC driver in history, though he will still trail several co-drivers in overall event participation. The French driver's consistent presence in the WRC, particularly as a part-time entrant with Toyota in recent years, underscores his enduring commitment and competitive drive within the sport's highest echelons.
Ogier’s Milestone Achievement
Ogier will make his 213th WRC start at Rally Chile, thereby drawing level with Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala, who currently holds the record with 213 starts. Latvala, a revered figure in Finnish motorsport, has long been recognized for his extensive career, which concluded with his transition into team management. Ogier’s participation in Chile marks a significant moment, as he will subsequently surpass Latvala's record at Rally Sardinia three weeks later, assuming sole possession of the distinction for most WRC starts by a driver.
Co-Driver Records Remain Higher
Despite this impending milestone, Ogier will not immediately become the individual with the most WRC event participations overall, as three co-drivers still boast higher figures. Spanish veteran Marc Marti currently leads this category with 222 WRC starts, demonstrating remarkable longevity in his career. He is followed by Miikka Anttila, Latvala’s long-time Finnish co-driver, who has 220 starts, and Elfyn Evans’s current co-driver, Scott Martin, with 213 starts. These figures highlight the extended careers often seen among co-drivers, who frequently continue in the sport beyond their driving counterparts.
Championship Prospects and Future Plans
Ogier, at 42 years old, has not yet confirmed whether he intends to continue competing beyond the current 2026 season. His recent WRC campaigns have seen him participate on a part-time basis with Toyota, a strategy that nevertheless yielded his ninth world championship title last year despite his absence from three rounds. However, a similar championship outcome appears unlikely this season, as Ogier currently occupies sixth position in the driver standings with 139 points, trailing championship leader Elfyn Evans by 68 points with four rounds remaining. Rally Chile commences with the shakedown on Thursday, setting the stage for Ogier’s record-equalling performance.
Finnish Motorsport Heritage
Finland has consistently produced world-class talent in the WRC, with Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila serving as prime examples of the nation's rich motorsport heritage. Latvala's 213 starts exemplify a career marked by relentless pursuit of victory and consistent presence at the sport's pinnacle. Anttila's 220 starts as a co-driver further underscore the deep-rooted success and endurance of Finnish participation in the World Rally Championship, reflecting a culture where rallying is not merely a sport but a significant national passion.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Reported, which means a newsroom we cite carries this but the people involved have not confirmed it. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Sanni Koskela.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- RallyJournalrallyjournal.com
