Ogier: “Wales Rally GB is one of the toughest”

M-Sport revient au Wales Rally GB, là où l’équipe de Malcolm WIlson s’était assurée des titres Pilotes et Constructeurs en célébrant par la même occasion la première victoire d’Elfyn Evans qui était avantagé avec ses pneus Dmack adaptés aux conditions boueuses de l’épreuve.

With three events remaining before the end of the season, Sébastien Ogier needs a victory to stay in the title race. The five-time champion WRC 10 point tipOtt Tänak (Toyota) et à 23 unités de Thierry Neuville (Hyundai).

“Wales Rally GB is one of those classic events that everyone wants to win. Special stages are part of the history of motorsport. Early departures and late arrivals make it a real test of concentration and endurance. We know what we have to overcome when we win in Wales.", assures the four-time winner of the event.

“It’s one of the toughest rallies on the calendar and it’s a real art to assess the level of grip in the forests. It sometimes takes a little time to get used to the difficult weather, but this year we could have a rally on the dry. That won't take away from the interest! ", adds the Frenchman.

Elfyn Evans will be on equal terms since his Ford Fiesta WRC will be equipped with the same Michelin tires as the competition.

“It’s always an extra motivation to play at home. Wales has some of the most beautiful stages in the world, congratulates the only local winner of the event. Last year's victory is something I will never forget. A first success is always special, but having it at home makes things even more special and I definitely want to repeat this feat this year. »

“The objective is once again to be in the fight for victory, but we know that it will not be easy. It's an event that everyone wants to win and the three drivers in front will attack very hard. The stages are fast and mistakes are rarely forgiven, but we will do our best”, added the Welshman from the M-Sport team.

The lineup will once again be completed by Teemu Suninen, for whom this will be his first participation at the wheel of a WRC. The Finn managed to take 11th place in 2015 when he was behind the wheel of a Skoda Fabia S2000.

“We were able to do a day of testing last week where we were able to face a lot of different conditions. We drove all morning in the mud before it dried up in the afternoon. We then had a heavy downpour in the last few hours. I was really able to discover everything”, explained the Nord.

M-Sport prepared for Wales Rally GB by participating in 4 days of testing in the county of Cumbria (Great Britain).