Sébastien Ogier: “We lost a battle, not the war”

Leader since the first stage of Rally of Italy, Sébastien Ogier ultimately couldn't do anything about Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), author of a fantastic comeback at the very end of the race in Sardinia to win at the end of the Power Stage.

The pilot M-Sport acknowledges having made some mistakes this Sunday, and if Neuville now has a 27-point lead in the championship, Ogier remains confident for the second part of the season.

“I tried everything I could today, admits the Frenchman upon arrival. I just lacked a little speed. The last stage was super rough and I made two mistakes going off the line. That's where I lost today but a lot of places cost us a few tenths this weekend.

These are still good points for the championship. We lost the battle but not the war. There are still six rallies to go, now is not the time to panic. Thierry was lucky with the rain but there will be other rallies where he will lose time with his opening position. »

Sébastien Ogier will find the WRC the last weekend of July, during the Rally Finland.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Rally Italy, produced by our special correspondent in Sardinia, in issue 2169 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.