Saudi Arabia Rally – SS1: Ott Tänak ahead of Sébastien Ogier, Evans 5th

After the Shakedown on gravel earlier in the day, the rally moved on to a super-special stage on asphalt. Rally Saudi Arabia's 2025 Olympic Games opened late Wednesday afternoon. In the night from Jeddah, it was Ott Tänak (Hyundai) who proved the fastest over the 5,22 kilometers. The Estonian completed the course in 3:53.3. Facing off against Elfyn Evans, his main rival for the world title, Sébastien Ogier (ToyotaHe edged out his Welsh teammate to take second place, 1,2 seconds behind the Estonian. The championship leader had to settle for 5th place, 2,1 seconds off the fastest time.

Mārtiņš Sesks (M-Sport) took third place for the evening ahead of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). Third contender for the final title, Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) finished in sixth place ahead of his compatriot Sami Pajari (Toyota). Adrien fourmaux (Hyundai) finished eighth, followed by Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) and Grégoire Munster (M-Sport) to complete the top 10.

For his return to WRCNasser Al-Attiyah (M-Sport) received a six-second penalty for a jump start. The Dakar specialist finished 12th, last in the Rally1 class, behind Josh McErlean (M-Sport). In Rally2, Oliver Solberg made a small mistake by touching a barrier with his right rear tire. This did not prevent the Swede from setting the fastest time in his category with a time of 4:04.4.

Join us this Thursday at 6:05 am (Paris time) to follow the second special stage of the Saudi Arabia Rally, with live commentary on AUTOhebdo.fr.

ALSO READ > Schedule, TV program, entrants: the complete program for the 2025 Saudi Arabia Rally

WRC – Saudi Arabia Rally
ES1 and overall standings: