End of journey for Sébastien Ogier at Richard Mille

After discovering the legendary test of 24 Hours of Le Mans within the Richard Mille Racing Team, the adventure of Sébastien Ogier en Endurance ends with this team. The eight-time world rally champion had already confided to us half-heartedly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that he would not be part of the rest of the championship. " I have always said and it was clear with the team, even if it may have been announced differently, that my goal was to do Le Mans and the previous races to prepare myself. I did not want to participate in the entire championship, but rather the desire to do a few more rallies this year. Compete in six races WEC and five-six rallies did not fit with my wish to slow down a little. So there is a good chance that it will end there, we will discuss with the team, but a priori there are no plans to continue “, explained the Habs.

I'm very grateful to Richard Mille Racing & Signatech for the opportunity they gave me this year! Participating in Sebring, Spa & Le Mans was a great chance to discover @FIAWEC and I really enjoyed it. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/i8e7Z7DG5c

- Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) June 21, 2022

This Tuesday, June 21, the rumors were confirmed with the end of the collaboration between the Frenchman and his Richard Mille Racing Team. On Twitter, Sébastien Ogier thanked his teammates Charles Milesi and Lilou Wadoux and his team and Signatech for “ giving him this opportunity this year ". The Habs also wanted to point out that its few appearances in WRC could not allow him to complete the entire season in Endurance. “ I've always been very clear my main goal was to spend more time with my family this year. Therefore, it was never my plan to participate in the whole championship and I would not be able to take part in the next races », Clarifies the native of Gap. 

Sébastien Ogier, a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year?

The Frenchman who always excels in Rally challenged himself to discover a completely different discipline this season with his sights set on the double round of the clock at Le Mans. But before setting off for Sarthe, the Rookie had to go through the learning process. His journey in Endurance in 2022 therefore began with the 1 Miles of Sebring. Across the Atlantic, the Richard Mille Racing Team crew had to settle for 000th place in LMP12. For the following round in Belgium, Sébastien Ogier managed to enter the top 2 in his category by finishing the 10 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 6th position, still in LMP8.

Before experiencing his first baptism of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Sébastien Ogier's competitive soul could not be satisfied with a place of honor. Unfortunately, at the start of the race, the Frenchman made a mistake by crossing a white line and received a one-minute penalty. The Richard Mille Racing Team crew, made up of the tricolor triplet, finally completed the 24 Hours in 9th position in LMP2.

The question then arose: will we see Sébastien Ogier again at Le Mans? The Habs have hinted that he could make his return next year. “ Je suis ici pour progresser dans la classe LMP2 et, si je suis assez bon, pourquoi ne pas piloter une Hypercar dans le futur avec Toyota » explained Sébastien Ogier at Le Mans. But before planning ahead, the nine-time world champion must focus on his other role in the WRC with the Safari Rally Kenya which begins this Thursday, June 23.

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