Ogier: Getting title defense back on track

After offering the Rally Monte Carlo to M-Sport en début d’année, une première depuis le succès de Marcus Grönholm en 2006 (sous la bannière Ford), Sébastien Ogier remains the main asset of the Dovenby Hall structure to win in Germany an event which is still denied to Malcolm Wilson's team.

<< The German Rally has not smiled on us in the past, confesses Malcolm Wilson. This is the only rally we still have to win, but this year we have the best chance for that.

Our three drivers have had good results in Germany over the years, and Sébastien knows what it takes to succeed after winning the event three times. >>

The Ford Fiesta is at ease on asphalt.

Sébastien Ogier will reunite for the occasion with his teammate Julien Ingrassia, back after leaving the Finnish road. An abandonment which allowed Thierry Neuville to return to equality in the general classification.

The Ford Fiesta should also be a formidable weapon on asphalt according to the four-time world champion, after intense preparation sessions.

<< Every year I look forward to this race and this edition will be really exciting with a very close championship battle, comments Ogier.

Naturally, we aim to give our best and get our title defense back on track.

It’s always nice to get back on asphalt and the German round features some of the toughest roads on the calendar. It’s a tough rally and you have to find the right mindset – and the right settings – for the different situations you encounter. >>

Ogier also highlights the major work of the openers on this event, the 2017 Rally Germany also offering several new special stages.

<< In wet places it is even more difficult and mistakes are very rarely forgiven. It is important to be fully focused and work closely with the ushers in order to prepare for whatever will be offered by the ES.

This year there are also a number of new sections that will make things even more interesting. The Fiesta performed very well on asphalt this year, so Julien and I are really looking forward to this challenge. >>