Sébastien Ogier: “A perfect weekend”

Already a winner last year, Sébastien Ogier wins his second consecutive success in Portugal. The lands of the Algarve are definitely doing well for the Gapençais, who is ahead of his teammate Sébastien Loeb. The young Citroën driver makes us forget his disappointing start to the season and makes up part of his gap in the world championship.

At the finish of the last special, Sébastien Ogier did not hide his joy. “It was a perfect weekend, exults the Gapençais. We managed our first day well and then attacked at the right time. The result is convincing for the whole team with a double and points in the Power Stage. After six months without a victory, I was starting to find the time long. I hope this is the start of a good series. These points allow us to relaunch ourselves in the championship after the disappointment of the Rally from Mexico. I thank all the members of the team who work very hard. I have as much pleasure for them as for myself! »

The young Citroën driver nevertheless owes a debt of gratitude to Mikko Hirvonen. Victim of a puncture in SS9, the Finn restarted a few seconds ahead of Sébastien Loeb. Then hampered by the dust from the Ford Fiesta, the seven-time world champion let precious seconds slip away in his misadventure, enough to let Sébastien Ogier slip away.

Find the full report of the Portugal rally in AUTOhebdo, on sale from Wednesday on all newsstands.