At the 2025 Rally-Raid Portugal, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Édouard Boulanger delivered a stellar performance, securing third place in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). This result not only underscores their growing partnership but also signifies a significant milestone for the Dacia Sandriders team as they continue to make their mark in the rally-raid arena.

Throughout the rally, Loeb and Boulanger demonstrated consistency and resilience. Their strategic approach and adept navigation were evident as they maintained a competitive pace, culminating in their podium finish. This accomplishment is a testament to their dedication and the team's ongoing development in the W2RC.

The Dacia Sandriders' performance in Portugal reflects their commitment to excellence and positions them as formidable contenders in future rally-raid events. As the team continues to refine their strategies and enhance their vehicles, fans and competitors alike can anticipate more impressive results in the upcoming stages of the championship.

At the 2025 Rally-Raid Portugal, Sébastien Loeb and Édouard Boulanger achieved a remarkable third-place finish in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) standings. Their consistent performance throughout the event culminated in this podium position, marking a significant milestone for the Dacia Sandriders team.

As Super Typhoon Ragasa struck southern China in late September 2025, unusual images began circulating online: cars strapped tightly to trees with ropes. At first glance, the sight looked bizarre, but for local residents it was a desperate attempt at storm protection.

With wind speeds reaching more than 200 km/h, even heavy vehicles risk being shifted, overturned, or swept away. To reduce damage, residents in Guangdong and surrounding provinces used thick ropes to anchor their cars to sturdy trees, poles, or other fixed structures. This improvised method, while not foolproof, helps prevent cars from rolling into buildings, blocking roads, or being carried by floodwaters.

Typhoon Ragasa forced the evacuation of nearly 1.9 million people in Guangdong. Rail services, schools, and businesses were suspended. Along the coast, hurricane-force winds, torrential rains, and severe flooding were reported, with major disruptions in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Yangjiang.

Although tying cars to trees may appear unusual, it illustrates how people adapt quickly in the face of increasingly powerful tropical cyclones. For many families without access to garages or secure shelters, ropes and strong trees became their last line of defense against the world’s strongest storm of the year.

Photo: Viral image shared on social media during Typhoon Ragasa.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing W2RC (TGR W2RC) entered the final day of the BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal holding a one-two lead in the overall standings of the penultimate round of the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

Stage 4 featured 274 km of competitive sections — fast stony tracks, narrow and slippery segments, and winding lakeside routes.

Lucas Moraes / Armand Monleón (#203 GR Hilux EVO) retained their leading position by finishing fourth on the stage, following a consistent pace strategy to protect their first place.

Henk Lategan / Brett Cummings (#202 GR Hilux EVO) started and ended the day in second. They delivered a strong performance, taking third on the stage and cutting the gap to the leaders down to 34 seconds.

Seth Quintero / Andrew Short (#204 GR Hilux EVO) were fighting for a podium spot, but an engine failure just 2 km before the finish forced them to retire from the rally.

At present, N. Al-Attiyah / F. Lurquin (Dacia Sandriders) hold the leading position in the absolute rally-raid standings, with S. Loeb / E. Boulanger (Dacia Sandriders) in second. However, TGR W2RC still controls two of the top three positions.

Only one stage remains — a 103 km competitive section in Stage 5, which will determine the final standings and reveal whether TOYOTA can close with a victory in its second strong result of the season.