Ogier: “Almost giving up on victory” in Sardinia

Sébastien Ogier was not more delighted than that to retain the lead in the championship at the end of the Rally from Portugal. His rival Ott Tänak (Toyota) had even eased off at the finish of the Power Stage to leave the Citroën driver in first position in the Drivers' classification so that he could sweep the road in the first stage contested this Friday. This shows that the position of opener is penalizing in the Italian event.

“To start first in Sardinia is to almost give up on victory, as the sweeping phenomenon is so important there. Especially since the weather, which could have reversed the trend as was the case last year, does not seem to be turning into rain, notes the three-time winner of the Sardinia Rally. So I'm expecting a difficult weekend, but I'll once again give my best whatever the circumstances and we'll take stock at the end of the weekend. Especially since C3 WRC has progressed recently and I had good feelings with it in Portugal. Our performance on the first day will once again determine our final result. »

“This rally always represents a great challenge for the mechanics and the men. It will be even more so for Sébastien and Julien (Ingrassia, the co-pilot), forced once again to sweep for the following on the first day, on terrain where the phenomenon is undoubtedly even more pronounced than in Portugal, adds Citroën Racing director Pierre Budar. We nevertheless know their talent and their combativeness, they will do everything to make the most of this clearly disadvantageous starting point, especially since the tests before Portugal made it possible to further optimize C3 WRC, and this was verified in the race, even if it was difficult to demonstrate it. »

It will perhaps be Esapekka Lappi who will be best placed to defend the interests of Citroën. In difficulty in the first part of the season, the Finn will benefit from an excellent position on the road starting from 9th position in the first stage.

“We have clearly learned lessons from Portugal. As for Sardinia, it's a rally where you can't constantly attack 100%, particularly on the second laps, because you have to think about preserving the car and also watch out for unearthed stones., indicates the one who took 3rd place last year in the Italian event. With our ninth position in the starting order on the first day, we should in any case have an advantage, it's up to us to know how to exploit it. And if we keep the same speed as in Portugal, and don't make any mistakes for three days in a row, the result should be good. I am keen to have a solid and consistent race over the three stages, that is really my priority for the weekend. »