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Sébastien Ogier, the celebrated eight-time World Rally Champion, is openly considering a full assault on the WRC title in 2025, a significant departure from his previously stated intention of a partial campaign. His remarkable performance this season, including three wins and two second-place finishes from just five rallies, has positioned him surprisingly close to the championship lead. This unexpected success has prompted a re-evaluation of his future commitments, hinting at a potential shift towards a more comprehensive involvement if his impressive form continues.

Ogier's current season has been nothing short of spectacular. He has clinched victories in Monte Carlo, Portugal, and Sardinia, and secured second place in the Canary Islands and Greece. This consistent excellence has allowed him to accumulate points at an astonishing rate, averaging 28 points per rally. This puts him a mere 21 points behind the current championship leader, Ott Tänak, despite having participated in three fewer events. This gap is even narrower than it was at this point last year, further fueling speculation about a full-time return to championship contention.

While Ogier has maintained that his primary objective is to contribute to Toyota's manufacturer championship aspirations rather than pursuing a personal ninth world title, his current results undeniably present a compelling case for a full-fledged championship bid. He acknowledges the difficulty of winning the title with a partial schedule, emphasizing that everything must align perfectly throughout the year. However, the sheer effectiveness of his limited appearances this season suggests that a sustained effort could indeed lead to an unprecedented ninth championship.

The Frenchman's current arrangement with Toyota saw his partial 2024 campaign extended to 10 rounds last year, primarily to aid the Japanese manufacturer in securing its eighth constructors' title. This commitment to the team's success remains a priority, yet the allure of an individual championship is clearly growing stronger. Ogier candidly stated his interest in intensifying his campaign if his points-scoring momentum continues. This prospect would undoubtedly add an exciting dimension to the WRC calendar for fans and competitors alike.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Rally Finland, which marks his sixth start of the year, Ogier is expected to be a strong contender. The Toyota team has been actively exploring different car setups, particularly in light of Oliver Solberg's dominant performance in Rally Estonia, which Ogier missed. Ogier noted that while he found a promising setup during testing, the feeling on the shakedown for Rally Finland was not quite the same, indicating ongoing fine-tuning to find the optimal compromise that incorporates learnings from Solberg's success.

Ogier's disciplined approach to his partial season, coupled with his undeniable talent, has placed him in an enviable position. His impressive average points haul demonstrates his ability to maximize opportunities, even with a reduced calendar. This calculated strategy has kept him firmly in the championship conversation, defying conventional expectations for a part-time competitor. The coming races will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether he makes the definitive leap to a full-time pursuit of yet another WRC crown, cementing his legacy as one of rally's all-time greats.

NASCAR champion Kurt Busch recently immersed himself in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at Rally Finland, an experience that profoundly convinced him of the series' potential for success in the United States. Despite the recent announcement that the WRC's return to American soil has been delayed until at least 2027, Busch remains a staunch advocate for bringing rally racing to a broader American audience, believing it holds significant appeal.

The celebrated 2004 NASCAR Cup champion and 2017 Daytona 500 victor embarked on his inaugural WRC encounter in Finland, a discipline he has long admired. His previous foray into rallying dates back to 2014, when he competed in the Monza Rally Show piloting an M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta RS WRC. This most recent visit provided a firsthand glimpse into the intricacies and excitement of the sport, particularly when he rode alongside Rally Estonia winner Oliver Solberg during a shakedown in Solberg's Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 machine.

Busch reflected on his thrilling ride with Solberg, drawing parallels and contrasts with his NASCAR background. He remarked that the rally car's agility and the precise maneuvers executed by Solberg were a stark revelation. Unlike the heavy, track-hugging NASCAR vehicles, rally cars, with their all-wheel drive and lighter build, appear to float over the terrain, gracefully navigating jumps, twists, and turns. He expressed profound respect for Solberg's intuitive anticipation of corners, a stark difference from the tire management and asphalt grip focus prevalent in NASCAR.

His visit coincided with the WRC's calendar announcement for 2026, which revealed a further postponement of the U.S. event. Nevertheless, the FIA maintains its optimism for a 2027 debut in North America, marking the first time since 1988 that the WRC would compete there. Busch views this as an opportunity to introduce something fresh and exciting to the American motorsports landscape, akin to NASCAR's successful Chicago street race or Formula 1's ventures into Las Vegas and Miami.

Busch highlighted the strategic importance of hosting WRC events near major urban centers, emphasizing the need for accessible "outlying areas" for the rally stages while leveraging city amenities for spectators. He asserted that with adequate backing from the series and manufacturers, a U.S. rally could thrive, offering a unique blend of high-octane racing and spectator engagement.

The blend of speed, precision, and the raw challenge of diverse terrains that define rally racing left an indelible impression on the NASCAR veteran. This firsthand experience reinforced his belief that the World Rally Championship possesses a unique and captivating allure, one that would undoubtedly resonate with motorsport enthusiasts across the United States. The prospect of witnessing these dynamic machines navigate challenging stages, combining elements of raw power with intricate handling, promises a compelling spectacle that could captivate new audiences and solidify the WRC's global footprint, especially with a renewed focus on American expansion.