Sebastien Ogier has confirmed plans to contest the remaining rounds of the World Rally Championship to assist Toyota problem for each the drivers’ and producers’ crowns.
The eight-time world champion was set to contest a half-season marketing campaign in his position as part-time driver, however his spectacular run of three wins and three second-place finishes have proved essential for Toyota’s producers’ title push.
Ogier’s success has additionally left the Frenchman as Toyota’s highest-placed driver within the championship and firmly within the battle for a ninth crown, solely 27 factors adrift of championship chief and Hyundai rival Thierry Neuville.
Earlier this week, Rally Chile, which follows this weekend’s spherical in Greece, launched its entry checklist that featured Ogier and his part-time Toyota team-mate and reigning two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera.
Toyota crew principal Jari-Matti Latvala had already requested Ogier to compete within the remaining rounds earlier this yr. Regardless of initially showing to downplay the prospect after Rally Finland, Ogier will now add Chile and the Central European Rally to his programme that already included November’s Japan season finale.
“I believe now it is clear. It is 4 rounds remaining and the place we’re within the championship we needed to give it a attempt, being additionally now the main driver for Toyota,” Ogier advised Motorsport.com.
“After all, there was an even bigger want from the crew for me to be there and on my aspect two out of this 4 [rallies] had been deliberate already, and we simply had so as to add Chile and Central Europe.
“Even when I am not wanting a lot for the journey to Chile [because of the distance to Europe], I can not complain to be on this scenario.
Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Photograph by: Toyota Racing
“It is nonetheless at all times tempting to have an opportunity to battle for a championship, despite the fact that proper now it is nonetheless a protracted shot. It is nonetheless with the present level system, not really easy to catch this sort of hole, however the most effective we are able to do is attempt to put stress as late as we are able to within the season.
“So long as there’s a mathematical likelihood, something can occur.”
Toyota boss Latvala says the end result is each “good for Sebastien personally and for the crew”, whereas admitting securing the producers’ title is the first aim. Toyota sits 20 factors adrift of Hyundai heading into this weekend regardless of successful six of the 9 rallies up to now.
“We mentioned that if he does Latvia and it goes effectively why not do the remainder of the championship as a result of he is been a really robust asset for us this yr,” mentioned Latvala.
“We wish to maintain the championship battle alive.”
Championship chief Neuville, who introduced a one-year extension with Hyundai for 2025 earlier than right this moment’s Acropolis Rally Greece shakedown, expects Ogier to be his strongest rival for the remainder of the season.
“Will probably be another person to battle for the championship and for those who’re going to win then it’s even higher,” mentioned Neuville.
“He’ll at all times have an excuse as a result of he did not do all the opposite rounds, however he selected very effectively which of them he didn’t do.
“He has accomplished very effectively benefiting from his street place however now it will likely be a bit totally different, however he’s the person to battle. It’s no secret he’s the one who would be the strongest till the top of the yr within the battle for the championship, and we want to withstand.”
