Ogier: “Not a disadvantage”

While this event was not on his initial program, Sébastien Ogier will be at the start of the Rally Australia this Thursday. The French hopeful continues his first season in the WRC by gaining maximum experience on all terrains.

Published on 01/09/2009 à 15:42

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Was this month of August synonymous with vacation for you?
" Not really? I was able to disconnect a little from the world of rally for a few days but without ever straying from certain sporting activities. I also took part in a physical preparation course at altitude with Xavier Feuillet who takes care of many pilots. I met him during the FFSA Youth Rally operation. We went to Font-Romeu to follow a specific program. The different workshops allowed me to work on reflexes and explosiveness. For the real vacation, I will stay in Australia after the rally. »

Now, the Australian Rally is looming. Is it an advantage to start an event that everyone is discovering?
“We can’t say that it’s an advantage. On the other hand, we are not going to suffer from any experience deficit compared to other drivers, so it is not a disadvantage. This is a rally that you will have to fully discover. For us, it's ultimately not very different from other rallies on the calendar. On the other hand, the team is a little lacking in information regarding the car's settings. We just know that we will have to be even more vigilant than usual during the two reconnaissance visits. A priori, the course is fast and rolling with some more winding passages. »

Do your latest performances make you dream of other good results?
“With Julien Ingrassia, we feel better and better aboard the Citroën C4 WRC. But we know that nothing is won and that we must continue to work. Since mid-season, we have been on a good run. Despite mistakes, we learned a lot during the first races and this experience is starting to bear fruit. I'm getting used to the speed of a WRC and the work of the team has allowed us to achieve good performances. In Australia, you will still have to be on arrival. On a regular basis, is a place in the top eight possible? maybe better depending on the different racing facts. We will see what the team's objectives will be. I trust the Citroën Junior Team. In any case, I can't wait to get back behind the wheel of the C4 WRC! »