Ogier: “Finally a chance of victory”

Since Rally of Sweden 2016, and his second success of the year after the Monte-Carlo Rally, Sébastien Ogier no longer had the opportunity to climb to the top of the podium. A shortage of almost six months, a first since the former Citroën driver lined up in Volkswagen colors from the 2013 season.

The Frenchman has long criticized the rule of the order of departures, which disadvantages the one who opens the road on the dirt events, which constitute the majority of the calendar WRC. A position recently supported by Carlos Sainz, double world champion in 1990 and 1992, on social networks.

With the return to asphalt, the three-time reigning world champion, still firmly attached to first place in the Drivers' standings, hopes to return to the front on a Rally of Germany which he won in 2015, offering his employer a victory expected at home since 1987.

« I'm still looking forward to Rally Germany, but a little more than usual this year, recognizes Ogier. Finally, Julien (Ingrassia his co-pilot) and I have a realistic chance to fight for victory after the difficult period of gravel rallies.

Therefore, I am very motivated and very eager to repeat the success achieved last year. Rally Germany is also the home event for Volkswagen and the whole team wants to deliver a great performance in front of our fans. »

The Frenchman believes he has completed solid testing sessions with the current Polo R WRC, while also conducting tests with the future Polo 2017. “The transition from gravel to asphalt was quick and trouble-free, Ogier analyzes.

We had a mix of sun and showers, so we were able to try out the different settings for the Polo R WRC, as well as the new Michelin rain tyres. This could play an important role as the stages are extremely difficult in wet weather and mistakes are heavily punished. »