That was all it took for Sébastien Ogier to light the fuse. Coming off a day in which he lost more than two minutes and the lead in the general classification due to a mechanical problem in the final sprint, the Tricolore was not kind to Thierry Neuville.
The eight-time world champion particularly regretted the attitude of his counterpart who was leading the way. According to him, he could probably have done better while he himself signed 3 scratch wins in 4 starts while being second in the running order. A means also undoubtedly used to try to destabilize the Belgian, closer than ever to his first world title.
« We proved that the championship leader is not that fast, because he was first on the road and we were second on the road, and we took 45 seconds from him in four stages.he slipped subtly. Maybe he should stop crying and learn how to drive by leading the way.. »
“Ogier? I’ll miss the driver, not the character”
A statement that once again reminds us that Sébastien Ogier and Thierry Neuville have never been the best of friends. While they respect each other in sport, the Gapençais and the native of Saint Vith do not necessarily have each other’s hearts in human terms.
The Belgian’s exit at the time of the eight-time world champion’s full-time retirement at the end of 2021 bears witness to a rather cold relationship. Will I miss Sébastien? The character, no, but the driver clearly. In a championship, you want to have as many great drivers as possible. So, yes, we will miss him.. »
Three years later, Sébastien Ogier is still in the game and he even ended his partial programme to compete at the end of the season to try to win a 9th world crown. Enough to irritate his opponent who could have seen himself going to the end of the campaign without this threat hanging over his head.
2018, a year of title and tension
The 2018 season was marked by a tight duel for the title between the two players. They were fighting it out and alternating changes at the top of the championship. Arriving in Argentina, the advantage was with Ogier and his 84 points, 17 more than Neuville.
Never in a position to play for victory, the Gapençais did not hesitate to sting Thierry Neuville, still second but ultimately far behind the winner Ott Tänak, whose Yaris was more powerful than the Belgian’s i20. This will prevent Thierry from crying and saying that he doesn’t have the best car, smiled Ogier. Well he’s still going to cry because he’s going to say that the Toyota is faster.. »
In September in Turkey a little later, the one who was already a Hyundai driver at the time arrived with a 12-point lead. Forced to retire because of his mechanics, he managed to limit the damage thanks to the 10th place only of Sébastien Ogier, who himself made a mistake but who was finally able to set off again and finish 10th thanks to a helping hand from his teammates. A strategy not really to the Belgian’s taste. I’m doing well because Ogier didn’t take advantage of our retirement.he put into perspective. But it’s his fault! For me, it’s the mechanics that played a nasty trick on me, even if it’s the first time this season. Plus, Ogier takes another point thanks to team tactics, it’s getting heavy… »
Neuville then did not hesitate to support his speech on possible help from Ott Tänak towards Sébastien Ogier in the quest for, the two men having a good relationship. I am sure that if he realises that he is no longer in the race, Ogier will be able to do everything to favour his friend Tänak.he stressed. Seb has never hidden the fact that he likes Ott; in any case much more than me! He never fails to put him forward, probably just to shake me up a bit. I think that’s proof that he’s having a hard time with what’s happening. Even today, playing team tactics is a great recognition for our performance. When you start playing like that, it’s because you’re afraid of not being able to win with your own abilities. (he would finally bow out, letting his counterpart win his 6th title). “To name just a few, from a long rivalry that still lasts today. Proof that they do not have much in their hearts despite all the sporting respect they may have for each other.
READ ALSO > How Ogier is trying to put pressure on Neuville: “Maybe he should stop crying”
