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Central European Rally to dictate WRC championship fight
The moment has come, the final European rally of the year, on the globe-trotting FIA World Rally Championship. The Central European Rally sees a return to the sealed asphalt surface for the first time since April, and presents a unique blend of timed special stages for the crews. Three countries, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, all offer their own unique challenges and stage conditions for the world's best drivers across the four days.
With just three rounds remaining, this final European leg - will shape up the order and dictate who will be heading to Japan and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the final two showdown events of the season.
Four drivers can realistically stake their claim to become the 2025 World Rally Champion. Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä and Ott Tänak.
WRC
Frenchman Sébastien Ogier, at the start of the year promised to undertake a part-season - but when the eight-time champion of the world started delivering the wins and podiums, the prospect of a record-equallying ninth title was too good to pass up - committing to the remainder of the season. The Toyota Yaris Rally1 driver already has five wins this year, and as championship leader will open the road for the rest of the field in central Europe - a position not punished as much as it is on gravel.
WRC
That position has normally been bestowed upon British star Elfyn Evans. Ogier’s teammate has had to take the brunt of the road sweeping this year - but the Welshman's steely determination has kept him to within two points of the summit - picking his battles and maximising the results with consistency. Second on the road is perhaps the best spot and if Elfyn can find his magic on Tarmac - this event could help shape his drive to his first title.
The third prong in Toyota Gazoo Racing trident is double champion Kalle Rovanperä, but he Finn has had more ups and downs this season than a yo-yo. Just when the Toyota driver checks out of a possible title fight, he then goes on to dominate the next rally, with Rally Finland and the trip to the Canaries being the two obvious occasions. Having dominated the last Tarmac rally - and from third on the road - don’t pull Kalle out of the equation just yet.
Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team driver Ott Tänak is the outside bet now, and the only realistic chance Hyundai has of spoiling the Toyota party. The Estonian had a purple patch in the summer, but since his second place on home soil in July, mistakes and unlucky moments have kept him off the rostrum boxes. If Tänak can go and win this rally - then its game on - anything else, he will then need the result of the others to help his cause. Important to his title tilt will be the help from his teammates - taking points away from Toyota to sole objective. WRC
Belgian Thierry Neuville can still mathematically win the title down in fifth in the standings - but would need a miracle in huge proportions. And we mean huge! He would have to win every event remaining and rely upon retirements or poor points hauls from the four in front. However, the Hyundai driver will be pushing for vital points in the manufacturers race as he looks to round out his championship defense on a high, and although not publicly mooted, will be asked to support Tänak's bid. As will the third driver in the Korean fold - Adrien Fourmaux who still goes in search of his first ever victory. That aspiration, hunger and drive will be important for not only himself, but the wider ambitions of Hyundai.
In the Toyota Gazoo Racing ‘B-Team’ Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari will be giving it their all to end 2025 on a high as they both hope to firm up a seat and chance to compete again in 2026. As we draw to the end of the season - now is the time when discussions take place and these two drivers are on the cusp of a seat and on the lips in the Service Park.
WRC
British privateer team M-Sport, who have not revealed their 2026 line-up, will be secretly looking forward to the next two Tarmac-based events to put their current roster to the test. Grégoire Munster is in his second full season in the top-flight and leads the line for the Cumbrian concern this weekend. Last year, the Luxembourg driver finished fifth and will be eyeing a similar result this time to show not only his potential, but also the speed of the Ford Puma Rally1. Teammate Josh McErlean, who was brought up on the Irish Tarmac, sees this event as the closest in conditions to rallying in Ireland, and senses an opportunity to grab this rally with both hands in the pursuit of a top six and a bag full of points.
Follow all the action of the FIA World Rally Championship LIVE this weekend from the Central European Rally - 16th -19th October. Four days not to be missed!
Watch WRC on DAZN
The 2025 World Rally Championship is available through DAZN on its own dedicated app channel, Rally TV. It is available either as a dedicated Rally TV subscription, or as part of your existing DAZN subscription for a small add-on fee.
DAZN is the home of Rally TV worldwide, excluding Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, China, Hong Kong and Japan.
Rally TV also broadcasts every rally from the FIA European Rally Championship.
Watch every WRC and ERC rally this year on DAZN's 24-hour dedicated Rally TV channel. For more information on prices, subscriptions and more, click here.
