Ogier moves closer to triumph in Sardinia

Helped by the misfortunes of the Hyundai drivers, the seven-time world champion took a big step towards victory in Italy.

Published on 05/06/2021 à 19:54

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Ogier moves closer to triumph in Sardinia

Sébastien Ogier is more than ever leader in Sardinia. ©DPPI/N. Katikis

If there is a position in which Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) did not expect to be at the end of the day, it is indeed that of leader. But now, the events of Saturday meant that the Gapençais found himself in control before the last day of racing.

The accident ofOtt Tänak (Hyundai) in SS12 propelled the reigning world champion to the top of the standings before tackling the last four special stages of the day.

The task was far from easy. Sébastien Ogier faced a sluggish Dani Sordo (Hyundai) who was only relegated to 17 before SS5. In addition, he mainly remained on two victories in the last two editions of the event. What to put pressure on him? Far from there.

From the top of his seven world championship titles, the Toyota driver sets the entry pace with a first scratch before signing two more in succession. Knocked out and left behind by more than 20 seconds, Dani Sordo made a mistake in SS15 and didn't even finish the day, thus doing the business of Sébastien Ogier who was content to hold on afterwards.

Times for SS15 at @Rally_d_Italia

@SebOgier 10:23.0
@ElfynEvans 0.7+
@ThierryNeuville 8.8+@DaniSordo DNF

LIVE STREAM & Standings https://t.co/m2aWjw9Ya9
live updates https://t.co/TB268ztTnG #WRC I #WRCLive I #JumpingInTheDust I #RallyItaly pic.twitter.com/eu2W1yCZ9G

— WRC – FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) June 5, 2021

Without making any noise, the Habs sat in the leader's chair and attacked the final day of the Rally of Italy with almost 40 seconds ahead of his teammate Elfyn Evans and more than a minute on Thierry Neuville (Hyundai).

If victory is not yet promised to her, she holds out her arms to him. However, Sébastien Ogier does not yet see himself as a winner and knows that he has four special stages ahead of him: “ We have to finish the job on Sunday! ". The stage is set.

General classification after the second day of racing at Rally Italy

In WRC2, Jari Huttunen is at the top of the standings. The Finn took advantage of the minute penalty inflicted on Mads Østberg (delay in scoring) to take the reins. With only 2” in advance, he has no room for error this Sunday.