“Rally Chile is set for a dramatic finale as Toyota teammates Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans head into the last day separated by just 6.3 seconds after a fierce battle on Saturday’s demanding stages.”

Heavy rain in the morning created treacherous, muddy conditions where Evans excelled, storming from fifth overall into the rally lead. By contrast, Ogier admitted to being too cautious early on but struck back in the afternoon as the roads dried, winning three stages in a row to edge into first place.

Evans remains well within striking distance after finishing the day second, while third-placed Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai) is more than 20 seconds adrift. Toyota’s strength was underlined by Sami Pajari, Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta all finishing inside the top seven, with Oliver Solberg leading WRC2 in his GR Yaris Rally2.

The showdown for victory now comes down to Sunday’s final four stages covering 54.8 competitive kilometres around Concepción, with the rally-ending Power Stage set to decide not just the winner, but also crucial championship points.