Sébastien Ogier enters a little more history

Since the first round of the season in Monte-Carlo, Sébastien Ogier was no longer on the top step of the podium before last weekend and the Rally from Portugal. Always present on the podium except in Argentina, the world champion offers a second success to the Ford Fiesta WRC of the Team M-Sport, dont l’important travail de préparation a payé.

“It feels good to win again, says the Frenchman. You shouldn't believe that I was down after the last rallies, but this weekend is still very good for my confidence.

This is the result of the analysis carried out after Argentina, where the car lacked performance even if it remained rather pleasant to drive. Our recent tests allowed us to find this performance, thanks to new settings, while maintaining a good feeling behind the wheel. The solutions put in place are going in the right direction.

The team also brought a new car to Portugal, that is to say a completely rebuilt car, which worked very well this weekend. »

40 victories and a record equaled

In addition to being the fortieth in his record, this victory is all the more symbolic as he equals Markku Alen in the number of successes at the Rally of Portugal, where, in 2010, he won his first WRC race.

“She will definitely be important in our career!” It is symbolic in many ways. It's the fifth in Portugal, and I'm very happy because it allows us to join the legend Markku Alén.

It's definitely a land that works well for us, knowing that, since our first success in 2010, we have always been on the podium in Portugal when we have been at the wheel of a WRC. Now we must continue this momentum in the rallies to come! »

Before the mid-season milestone which will be reached in Sardinia on June 11, Sébastien Ogier is 22 points ahead of Thierry Neuville in the championship.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Rally of Portugal, produced by our special correspondents, in issue 2115 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and on newsstands tomorrow.