Ogier ready for the big 8 at Monte-Carlo? “No guarantee of what will happen”

Sébastien Ogier can regain his record at Monte-Carlo. The eight-time world rally champion was still the co-holder of the record for victories in the event alpine in the premier category (in addition to his victory in 2009 in IRC), before conceding victory at the wire in 2022 to Sébastien Loeb, now alone at the top of the “Monte-Carl’” list with 8 successes. The Gapençais, victorious 7 times on his native lands in WRC, is therefore logically aiming for an 8th crown in the Alps.

“I have the chance to have fun here”

Still committed to Toyota part-time, Sébastien Ogier says he is “more and more relaxed” before starting his 12th year Rally Montecarlo. “I have no pressure for the championship here, I have the chance to have fun, confided the Frenchman during the press conference ahead of the event. This rally is always demanding, but in the past it has been pretty good on this rally. Every time you start here, there's no guarantee what's going to happen. The changing conditions between recce and rally can make racing very exciting and, of course, tire strategy can spice things up in racing compared to other events. »

Like 2022, the Monte-Carlo Rally is expected to take place in very dry conditions. If the ice will be missing, Sébastien Ogier admits that the event will not be any easier. “It's true that in recent years we were too optimistic to take five slicks in the Alps, it's always risky. Missing the Alps this year and I'm not saying that because of where I'm from. (…) Last year, there wasn't much snow and there is less and less. When there is a lot of snow, the choice of tire is easier: you have to choose the studded ones. »

How many rallies for Ogier in 2023?

Present for Monte-Carlo as usual, the Gapençais has not yet given details on the rest of his 2023 year. Asked about the rest of his season, in particular on the number of rallies planned in his partial program with Toyota , Sébastien Ogier remained very evasive. “We keep the door open for the team, we have to be flexible: the general idea is the same as last year. Once again, perhaps Jari-Matti [Latvala] will be happy to tell you, we have an initial plan which can always be adapted to the situation. » No matter how many rallies the Frenchman competes in this year, the eight-time WRC world champion says he is ready to help Toyota in its quest for a third consecutive manufacturers' title.

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