Ogier would have “signed with both hands” for his classification after the 1st stage

Fifth this morning 25″ fromOtt Tänak (Toyota), Sébastien Ogier (Citroën) more than limited the damage yesterday during a first stage of the Rally from Portugal where the reigning world champion opened the road.

Un vrai désavantage sur le papier pour le Français mais les circonstances de course, avec notamment les déboires des deux Hyundai i20 de Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo, or even the Ford Fiestas of Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen, allowed the former Volkswagen driver to limit the damage in the standings.

“Honestly when leaving yesterday morning, the objective was not to be last in the evening, Ogier confessed after today's special stages. We knew it was going to be complicated, but the second stage of the loop ended up being better than expected.

It swept a lot, but the ground was so soft that ultimately behind us, the weather didn't improve that much. The first stage of the loop proved to be the most difficult, and cost us time, as if we expected. I would have signed with both hands for this ranking at the end of the first day! »

Ogier also believes that he will benefit from a Citroën C3 that is more to his liking in this event. The French brand had indicated that it wanted to work quickly to resolve grip issues during the first passes in the SS, a weak point highlighted by the world champion during the last events in Argentina and Chile.

“The car is not that bad, I am very satisfied with the work done. It's not yet the best but it is much more interesting. » analyzes the five-time winner of the event.

Now it remains to aim for the podium for Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, a realistic target, three seconds separating the Citroën C3 from the Toyota Yaris of Kris Meeke. “The regular objective is to aim there,” Ogier breathes.

But it will be very long. Ott is not very far away either, but in long times like these, a lot can happen. »

The Rally of Portugal can be followed live with our live text, throughout the weekend.