Sébastien Ogier did not have an easy end to the season in the WRC. Since his victory in Finland and the announcement of his quest for the two world titles, the Frenchman has only known problems with mishaps and accidents in Greece, Chile and Central Europe. Over these last three rallies, the eight-time world champion has never finished in the Top 10, even if he was able to score 25 points thanks to the current scale. Knocked out of the running for the Drivers’ title after his accident on the penultimate special in Germany, the Toyota driver has only one goal in mind for the final round of the season, at Rally Japan: the title. Builders.
“It’s always exciting to go to Rally Japan and especially this year, given that we are still in contention to try and win the Manufacturers’ title, underlines the Habs ahead of the final round, motivated and determined to end this season on a good note after their recent misadventures. We know we’re not in an ideal position and need a near-perfect weekend for the team, but it’s certainly not out of reach. Our recent performances have been good and, from my side, we want to turn things around and turn this good pace into a good result. »
Watch out for the weather!
On Toyota land, Sébastien Ogier will have the mission to achieve the best possible result to make up for the 15-point deficit that the Japanese team has in the Manufacturers’ championship against Hyundai, whose two drivers (Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak) will be in the lead. fight for the Drivers’ title. Last year, the Habs finished 2nd in Japan, in the middle of a Toyota hat-trick. This year again, the weather conditions will be tricky in the Land of the Rising Sun and Sébastien Ogier is preparing for tricky roads.
“The stages in the Japanese forests can be very difficult and the conditions are always a big question mark, especially as the event takes place a week later this year, recalls the French. Of course, as Toyota drivers we always have very strong support, which is very nice, and we will try to bring home the result that all the fans are hoping for. » At home, Toyota will present itself with Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta to aim for a 4th consecutive Manufacturers’ title.
READ ALSO > Neuville faces the pitfalls of the Rally of Japan: “The cold and the leaves make grip very complicated”
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