WRC – Spain: Ogier winner, double and title for VW

Sébastien Ogier managed to impose itself on Rally of Spain by regaining more than a minute at the head of the race in the last stage contested on gravel. The new world champion WRC wins ahead of his teammate Jari-Matti Latvala who thought he would retire this afternoon when a fire broke out on the Polo R WRC at the finish of Pesells (SS14), the fire having however been quickly contained by the commissioners. “It was a fantastic day,” comments the winner who had never won in this event. “We attacked very hard without knowing if victory was within our reach because of the dust. I trusted my grades. This result is superb for Volkswagen. But there are more important things. I lost a very good friend, Sean Edwards, and I dedicate this victory to him. »

Conversely, the end of the event did not favor Citroën Racing. While Dani Sordo was on his way to taking the last step of the podium, the local driver retired in the penultimate special, breaking his suspension. From then on, Volkswagen Motorsport did not even have to wait for the finish to celebrate the Manufacturers' title even if Mikko Hirvonen saved the honor by placing a DS3 WRC on the podium. “I am happy with this result. It’s sad for Dani because it would have been nice to see him on the podium in his event.”, comments the Finn.

Thierry Neuville takes the points for 4th place which are added to the victory of the Power Stage. Evgeny Novikov completes the top five ahead of Mads Ostberg who was much more comfortable on gravel. Martin Prokop finished 7th ahead of Hayden Paddon who was making his first rally in a Fiesta RS WRC. Robert Kubica and Abulaziz Al-Kuwari complete the top ten. The Citroën driver brilliantly won in WRC 2 and celebrated his title. “The goal was different at the start, but I knew I could get a good result by progressing on dirt”, explains the Pole. “We had 5 wins and a 2nd place. I am happy, but the road is still long. The experience will still be to gain experience in Great Britain.", where he will compete in a DS3 WRC.

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Spain carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1933 of AUTOhebdo, available from Tuesday in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.