In 16 starts at Monte-Carlo, Sébastien Ogier has experienced many situations. His previous experiences will help him navigate the many changes introduced to the WRC this year. “ It is clear that the first test run left me wanting morehe explains about the withdrawal of the hybrid. We still lost a lot of power, but you realize that having 80 kg less counts. Overall, I think we will be very close to the performances we had last year. This remains the first race of the season and we must check that there is not a team that has put their finger on a little trick for this transition. The feeling was not bad in any case, but we will have to wait for the first stages on Thursday evening to see if we are lacking speed. » These times in the dark will also be the time for Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais to observe the behavior of the new Hankook rubbers.
« During our tests, we must have done 220 or 230 kmexplains the eight-time world champion. It was, however, on a one-size-fits-all basis with one tire type. We worked well, collecting a lot of information, but we were far from having the range of conditions that we will encounter this weekend. This will therefore be a discovery event…but the situation will be identical for many competitors. From what we’ve seen, the slicks look decent, but we’re not yet to the point of saying they’re good. We have to learn in which window the tire works best, when can you push it… A priori, it’s more complicated with the one intended for snow. »
The role of position on the road
-Despite this question, the Frenchman would prefer to have winter conditions for this 93e edition. “ With the rain these last few days, you really don’t know what to expecthe explains. It would be better if it was snowy so we would have an idea of the condition of the road. Here, there is a chance that the starting order plays a very big role. We are not ahead, but not very far either (4eEditor’s note), so we will not have the best conditions…but not the worst. We’ll have to deal with it. In any case, it’s still a rally where it’s not fought out by tenths. If in certain sections it will be to our disadvantage, we will have to remember that the race will be long and that many things can happen. » The Haut-Alpine fears that the competitors who started in front of them will dive into the ropes and bring mud and pollution onto the road, as has already been observed in Coratia or in central Europe. Three special stages are on the program for Thursday evening with just over 54 km timed.
Belgium
