Sébastien Ogier: “An exceptional period”

Crowned world rally champion for the fifth consecutive year, Sébastien Ogier managed to hoist M-Sport at the top of the world hierarchy in 2017. Malcolm Wilson's private structure thus beat the manufacturers Citroën, Hyundai ou Toyota. Enough to offer a very special feeling for the French.

“You never accomplish anything alone, there is a team around you, commented Sébastien Ogier at the FIA ​​awards ceremony. It’s “easier” to win with the best team. But it's even harder with what is the “smallest” team, with the smallest budget. The challenge was even greater. There is a lot of recognition after winning this title. »

After the end of the Volkswagen Motorsport program, Sébastien Ogier had indeed decided to take up the M-Sport challenge. An adventure which will continue in 2018, a season which should consolidate the renewal seen in 2017 with the return of Toyota, and the arrival of new technical regulations.

"The rally is in a good period, specifies Ogier. It's a good sign to have more builders. Currently we have four manufacturers, well three and a half. We hope that soon we can say four with Ford. I do not have the authority to speak for Ford. I hope something along these lines will be announced. »

France has an unbelievable talent

By winning his fifth consecutive title in 2017, Sébastien Ogier brings to fourteen the number of Drivers' crowns won by France without interruption since 2004 and Sébastien's first coronation Loeb.

“It’s incredible for France. Sometimes I have the feeling that people don't quite realize, and that it becomes almost normal that a French driver wins. This remains an exceptional period.

Of course, we want to make it last as long as possible. The Federation has done a lot to detect young talents, and they are rewarded for it. We owe a lot to the FFSA, and without them we would not be here. »