Ogier hopes to "turn the tide" and end his bad streak in Japan

The eight-time world champion, who is on the back of three consecutive poor performances, would like to end this 2024 championship in style at the Rally Japan and bring the Constructors' title back to Toyota on the home turf of the Japanese firm.

Published on 18/11/2024 à 10:55

Dorian Grangier

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Ogier hopes to "turn the tide" and end his bad streak in Japan

© Nikos Katikis / DPPI

Sébastien Ogier did not have a restful end to the season in WRC. Since his victory in Finland and the announcement of his quest for the two world titles, the Frenchman has had nothing but trouble with misadventures and accidents in Greece, Chile and Central Europe. In these last three rallies, the eight-time world champion has never finished in the Top 10, even if he was able to score 25 points thanks to the current scale. Disqualified for the Drivers' title after his accident in the penultimate special stage in Germany, the driver Toyota has only one goal in mind for the last round of the season, Rally from Japan: the Constructors title.

“It’s always exciting to go to Rally Japan and especially this year, given that we are still in contention to try to win the Manufacturers’ title, underlines the Tricolore ahead of the final round, motivated and determined to end this season on a good note after his recent misadventures. We know we are not in an ideal position and we need a near-perfect weekend for the team, but it is certainly not out of reach. Our recent performances have been good and, from my side, we want to turn things around and turn this good pace into a good result.

Watch out for the weather!

On Toyota's home turf, Sébastien Ogier will have the mission of securing the best possible result to make up for the 15-point deficit that the Japanese team has in the Constructors' Championship compared to Hyundai, whose two pilots (Thierry Neuville et Ott Tänak) will be in the fight for the Drivers' title. Last year, the Tricolore finished 2nd in Japan, in the middle of a Toyota triple. This year again, the weather conditions will be tricky in the Land of the Rising Sun and Sébastien Ogier is preparing for tricky roads.

“The stages in the Japanese forests can be very tricky and the conditions are always a big question mark, especially as the event takes place a week later this year, recalls the French. Of course, as Toyota drivers we always have very strong support, which is very nice, and we will try to bring home the result that all the fans hope for. At home, Toyota will be present with Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta aiming for a 4th consecutive Constructors' title.

ALSO READ > Neuville faces the pitfalls of the Rally of Japan: "The cold and the leaves make grip very complicated"

Dorian Grangier

A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.

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