Rally Chile begins with Evans 20 points ahead of Pajari, while the location of the WRC's November 11 to 14 finale is still unresolved.
Rally Chile Bio Bío began this week with the destination of the 2026 World Rally Championship finale still unresolved. Elfyn Evans arrived in the Biobío Region with a 20-point lead over teammate Sami Pajari, although the location of their potential title decider is unsettled.
Saudi Arabia decision remains on hold
Rally Saudi Arabia is scheduled to close the season from November 11 to 14. The decision on whether the event will proceed has been postponed, with no firm deadline set to resolve its status.
The uncertainty comes after reports of complications linked to geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. No replacement event has been confirmed.
Catalonia secures matching finale dates
Rally Catalunya has emerged in recent reporting as the leading candidate to take the final-round slot if Saudi Arabia cannot proceed. The Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia has secured November 11 to 14 for its event, the same dates currently assigned to the WRC finale.
Catalonia's candidacy is still speculation until a formal calendar change is announced.
Chile starts a three-round title sprint
Evans entered Round 12 with 216 points after finishing fourth at Rally del Paraguay. Pajari has 196 after three consecutive victories in Estonia, Finland and Paraguay. Oliver Solberg is third on 175.
Pajari and co-driver Marko Salminen won in Paraguay in 3h13m28.5s. Hayden Paddon and John Kennard finished 25.8 seconds behind, while Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria took third at 40.0 seconds.
The drivers' championship cannot be decided in Chile.
Toyota can clinch manufacturers' crown
Toyota started Rally Chile with 554 manufacturers' points, leading Hyundai's 381 by 173. With 180 still available before the event, Toyota entered the round with a chance to clinch the championship.
Hyundai arrives after placing two cars on the Paraguay podium. Paddon finished second and Fourmaux took third, while Evans was fourth, 45.1 seconds behind Pajari.
Rally Chile has 16 competitive stages covering 311.70 kilometers, with headquarters in Concepción. Friday's schedule on September 11 includes SS4, SS5 and SS6.
Calendar answer awaited after Chile
The championship continues through its 14-round schedule after Rally Chile ends on Sunday, September 13. Teams are still waiting for confirmation of where the November 11 to 14 season finale will be held.
