Ogier happy with the "balance" found at Toyota with his partial program

Sébastien Ogier is a happy man: not only because of his victory over the Rally Monte-Carlo won at the end of January, the tenth in his career, but above all because he has found the balance that suits him. Since 2021 and obtaining his eighth and last world title in WRC, the Gapençais took a step back from the discipline by opting for a partial program. Nevertheless, in 2024, the Tricolore had finally had a much busier schedule than expected, with the mission of winning at least one world title for Toyota facing the difficulties encountered by Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta. A successful objective, with the Constructors' title in the pocket.

 

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« The key word is pleasure.

In 2025, with Kalle Rovanperä returning full-time, Sébastien Ogier will be able to enjoy a real part-time programme, with six or seven rallies expected to be included in his calendar. To the great delight of the Frenchman who, at 41, will continue to enjoy the WRC and the emotions that come with it while combining his professional life with his family life. "When I look back at last year, having managed to secure the constructors' title on the very last special stage of the season, by winning the Power Stage of Rally Japan, it was very strong emotionally, and to share that with my team, it's as strong as the personal titles I've had before., the eight-time world rally champion, who we met in the aisles of Rétromobile, confided to us. It's a balance that suits me very well, between family time, trying to win a few races and the constructors' title, it fills my current schedule well."

"The key word is pleasure, that's why I'm still here. It's not for the numbers, it's for the sensations and the pleasure I continue to have in the car. It seems like I have a hard time doing without it, it's like a drug, admits Sébastien Ogier, still as passionate about his discipline since his debut in the premier category, more than 16 years ago. Being able to do it à la carte, having the chance to choose the rallies I do and having a less busy schedule than the last fifteen years, where we spend a lot of time traveling, over time it starts to be trying despite everything, even if it is a dream job. With the balance I have found today, it suits me perfectly and I am enjoying it.

Ogier's heart swings between the Yaris and the Polo

Loyal to Toyota since 2020, Sébastien Ogier never fails to thank his team for allowing him to sporadically drive the GR Yaris Rally1. However, when asked whether the Japanese car is the best car he has ever driven in the WRC, the Gapençais hesitates. It must be said that between the Citroën C4, the Citroën DS3, the Volkswagen Polo, the Ford Fiesta, the Citroën C3 and the Toyota Yaris, the recent winner of the Rallye Monte-Carlo has driven some of the most victorious cars in the history of the WRC!

"It's difficult to answer, because it's a great car, Toyota has been offering me for a few seasons the ideal toy to be able to win, because it remains a team sport, we win and lose together, and it's impossible to win alone, underlines the eight-time world champion. Toyota is definitely a very competitive team, I've been lucky enough to have a few in my career. Volkswagen in particular, it was the most dominant period of all, between 2013 and 2016, I can't forget that either. If I had to choose today, it's hard to find better than the Yaris."

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