Monte-Carlo: Ogier: “Everything still remains to be done”

Sébastien Ogier could achieve his 45th victory this Sunday in WRC, his first with Citroën Racing since 2011, if he manages to finish ahead Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) at the end of the final stage. His lead over the vice-world champion is limited to 4 seconds at the end of the 12 special stages contested, proof that the Belgian is able to keep up with the reigning six-time WRC champion.

“I am satisfied with my day, because again today, we had to find the right balance between attack when it was dry, and caution when it became more slippery. But everything still remains to be done”, underlines the Citroën driver.

“I expect a very competitive final stage, but perhaps less tricky, even if the summit of Turini always reserves a few surprises. The C3 WRC has proven in the past to be competitive on this terrain, I am hopeful that this will continue to be the case, and it is clear that I will try to seek victory on this rally Dear to my heart ", insists the Gapençais.

“In still very difficult grip conditions, Sébastien and Julien were impressively lucid, to control the day and double their lead, notes Pierre Budar, director of Citroën Racing. Four seconds is obviously not a lot, but it's still a lot. It's a hell of a fight we're going through here, and I obviously hope that it will turn out in our favor tomorrow, Sébastien and Julien in any case have the qualities to make it happen. »

Esapekka Lappi was less successful. Restarting in Rally2, the Finn had to abandon again from the first special following an engine problem.

“It is obviously regrettable to have experienced this crippling problem, but these are the hazards of the race, the former pilot consoles himself Toyota which ended his weekend. I hope to have more success in Sweden (February 14-17), I will in any case try to make the most of my two days of testing, to tackle this fast terrain that I like, ready for the fight . »

“We were keen to allow them to accumulate kilometers over these last two days of racing. We will analyze the origin of the evil to ensure that it does not happen again,” promises the leader of the Reds.

Citroën Racing has not added the Monte-Carlo Rally to its list of achievements since 2013 and Sébastien's victory Loeb on the DS 3 WRC.