Just nine points separate championship leader Elfyn Evans from third-placed Sébastien Ogier, with their Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Kalle Rovanperä sandwiched seven points behind Evans.
Not since 2003 – when Petter Solberg secured his sole world title – has the championship arrived at round 11 with such a narrow gap between the frontrunners.
Back for its fourth WRC edition in 2025, Chile has quickly built a reputation as a driver’s rally – rewarding those who can build confidence and carry speed through blind corners and flowing cambers.
The gravel roads are smooth and well-built, although reconnaissance conditions have been challenging – with heavy rain and persistent fog limiting visibility and raising doubts over pace note accuracy.
Evans has likened the stage characteristics to those of his native Wales and is hoping for wet conditions on Friday, which would lessen the handicap he faces when opening the road. Current forecasts suggest that rain showers are anticipated late on the opening day.
Ogier is celebrating a personal milestone, following in the footsteps of team principal Jari-Matti Latvala by becoming only the second driver in WRC history to contest 200 championship rounds.
His victory in Paraguay less than a fortnight ago – fighting back from an early puncture to claim the silverware – helped thrust the Frenchman firmly into contention for a record-equalling ninth world title.
Rovanperä, meanwhile, arrives as the defending Chile winner but must recover from Paraguay’s disappointment where a deflation dropped him out of the lead.
Aiming to bridge that gap are Hyundai Motorsport stars Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux. Tänak sits just 20 points behind Evans and boasts a strong Chile record, winning on two of his three previous visits to the South American forests.
M-Sport Ford completes the manufacturer representation with a three-car entry. Grégoire Munster and Josh McErlean are joined by local hero Alberto Heller, who returns to the wheel of a Puma Rally1 for his home event after showing promising pace in 2023.
The WRC2 championship battle also intensifies with key protagonists Oliver Solberg and Yohan Rossel forming part of the 19-strong Rally2 entry. Both drivers stand a mathematical chance of clinching the title this week.
