Sébastien Ogier: “The team will continue to function well”

Working with Tommi was one of the motivations that prompted you to join Toyota. What does this replacement inspire you?

He was my childhood idol. I don't know the reasons, but I respect the decision. It's a shame to see him go.

What memories do you have of this collaboration?

I enjoyed working with him. He was a four-time world champion and it’s not for nothing. He is very involved in the project and closely follows what we do. He always has interesting ideas and technical feedback to share with us. It’s good to have a boss who understands what we’re talking about.

Seeing Toyota engage directly is not negative?

This is indeed excellent news. Concretely, I don't think this will change much. The team was already well in place, functioning well and the operational side will remain more or less the same. This will perhaps result in greater involvement from Toyota in the medium and long term and that could be positive.

Could this call into question your desire to do one more season?

I would have preferred to continue with Tommi because the relationship was good, but that doesn’t change anything. I'm not worried, I'm sure that the team will continue to function well and that they will find someone good to replace him.