The 2025 mode is already underway at Sébastien Ogier. After a hectic end to the campaign between outings and spades with Thierry Neuville, the Gapençais is ready for this new campaign.
This week, he began preparation work for the Monte-Carlo Rally (January 22-26), the scene of the season’s kickoff. It was in the Hautes-Alpes, a region he knows quite well, that he kicked off his year. The day after Kalle Rovanperä’s run, Sébastien Ogier took the wheel of the Yaris without a hybrid system and fitted with the new Hankook tires.
The opportunity for him to familiarize himself with this new range even though he has never been very fond of the Pirellis. The Tricolore experienced different conditions than its Finnish teammate since Toyota this time worked on a wet road and not snowy and icy like the day before.
« A new challenge is always excitinghe summarized. We are still here in 2025, already on the floor, perhaps earlier than expected (smiles). I am still lucky enough to be able to enjoy and drive for a fantastic team.
We are going to fight to have more fun in the car this year. We have a big field with 5 cars on most rounds, with a lot of talent and even Kalle (Rovanperä) which returns to a complete program. We will have arguments to make.
Every year I say that Monte-Carlo never gets easier, even after many participations (…) There is always a certain fear inside us, you never know what the conditions will be, what your pace will be… There are some changes like the tires. This year we probably arrive less well prepared than ever but it will be the same for everyone at the start. We will have to do our best to adapt. »
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