Ogier: “The aero gain is more of a disadvantage than anything else”

It was the first fruit of the collaboration between M-Sport and Ford Performance in the United States. The aerodynamic additions affixed to the rear part of Sébastien Ogier's Ford Fiesta for the rally of Finland did not have their intended effect, as CARhebdo explains it to you in issue 2176, available in digital version and in all kiosks.

The four-time world rally champion (WRC) indeed released rear wheel arches very similar to those used by the Toyota Yaris WRC for a year and a half. The objective was to “promote traction, reduce oversteer in fast sections” and increase the support on the rear axle, according to Malcolm wilson, the boss of M-Sport.

#WRC | What happens when @SebOgier is cleared for takeoff. #RallyFinland #FordFiesta pic.twitter.com/kFmYtgPXpE

— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) July 29, 2018

However, the behavior of the Ford Fiesta marked with the number 1 caused a loss of confidence among the French driver. “Of course, we expected better. For now, the aero gain is more of a disadvantage than anything else. The result does not live up to our ambitions », explained Sébastien Ogier shortly after finishing Rally Finland in fifth place. Wednesday, the official WRC website however announced that he would keep the new aero package for the Germany rally (August 16-19).

Find out how aerodynamic elements penalized the Frenchman's rally in #2176 ofCARhebdo, on sale in digital version and on newsstands.