Watch WRC Rally Chile — Shakedown Free.

What's at Stake

The shakedown for Rally Chile marks the critical final opportunity for World Rally Championship teams to calibrate their machinery for the unique, high-speed gravel stages ahead. With the championship battle entering its decisive final phase, finding the perfect suspension and differential setup during this warm-up session is vital for drivers looking to secure an optimal road position and build immediate confidence on the technical forest tracks.

Form Guide

As the WRC transition back to South American gravel, momentum is highly contested among the manufacturer teams. Recent events have showcased a intense development war, with teams trading victories on fast gravel surfaces. The crews arriving in Chile are looking to carry forward lessons learned from previous high-speed encounters, balancing maximum aerodynamic efficiency with the durability required for the abrasive Chilean roads.

Key Players to Watch

• Kalle Rovanperä — The Finnish driver's natural affinity for high-speed, sweeping gravel roads makes him a benchmark competitor whenever the championship visits South America.
• Thierry Neuville — Known for his precise technical feedback, the Belgian driver will be highly focused on using the shakedown to perfect his car's balance on the loose surface.
• Ott Tänak — A proven master of fast, technical stages who has historically excelled in Chile and will look to set the pace early in the weekend.

Prediction

Expect the shakedown to be dominated by the drivers who can quickly adapt to the changing grip levels of the Chilean forest tracks. Toyota and Hyundai are likely to trade the fastest times, but a driver comfortable with high-speed drifts, such as Kalle Rovanperä, is predicted to top the shakedown timesheets. This early benchmark will set a highly competitive tone for the opening competitive stages of the rally.