Sebastien Ogier has mentioned claiming a record-extending tenth Monte Carlo Rally victory means “the world” – however has “no concept” if it will likely be his closing look on the historic occasion.
Ogier emerged from a dramatic final day to say victory by 18.5seconds over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans on the well-known asphalt rally, which opened the 2025 World Rally Championship marketing campaign.
The eight-time world champion as soon as once more lived as much as his ‘Monte Grasp’ tagline having been essentially the most profitable driver within the occasion’s historical past. Ogier’s first triumph was in 2009 when the occasion was a part of the Intercontinental Rally Problem.
Since then he has tasted victory in Monte Carlo an additional 9 occasions beneath the WRC umbrella taking wins in 2014 to 2019, 2021 and 2023. The success has been break up throughout the Peugeot, Volkswagen, Citroen, Ford and Toyota manufacturers.
An emotional Ogier devoted the win to his late uncle that handed away round this time final yr, whereas hinting that the 2025 rally may very well be his final.
“I don’t know the place to start out, what a weekend,” mentioned Ogier. “I believe I’ve my fortunate star with me this weekend.
Sebastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: Toyota Racing
“It was my uncle who we misplaced one yr in the past. I’m positive he was bringing me all the pieces and this one is for him.
“Fairly a couple of moments this weekend…like I mentioned my fortunate star is there. I don’t know what it means however for me the world. I do not know if this can be my final one. It will be place to cease.”
Whereas Ogier’s Monte Carlo future is but to be decided, the 41-year-old is about to contest a partial WRC marketing campaign with Toyota as soon as once more this yr.
When pressed on his stage finish feedback about his future, he added: “Hopefully not, however I don’t know [if this is my last Monte Carlo Rally]
“I simply need to get pleasure from this second on this unbelievable collection. I’ll clearly do some extra rallying this season in WRC however I don’t find out about subsequent yr.
“I don’t need to make any plans and naturally, if I’m able to keep at this identical degree it’s a disgrace to cease. Then again I’m nearer to the top [of my career] than the beginning.
Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
Picture by: Purple Bull Content material Pool
“It’s tough to seek out the phrases on this second however clearly I couldn’t be happier at this time. I repeat this story typically however Monte Carlo has all the time been the one occasion that gave me the dream to be a rally driver sooner or later.
“Since I used to be a child I used to be watching it and it began in 2009 right here successful my first try and again then it actually felt like a dream come true. However now it’s 10 occasions I’ve come right here and picked up the massive trophy, I’m nonetheless as joyful as 2009.”
Toyota group principal Jari-Matti Latvala described Ogier’s tenth Monte Carlo win as a “distinctive” achievement.
“It means you’ve gotten been at your greatest in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s and that’s fairly a novel achievement for a sportsman to be on the prime degree for such a very long time,” mentioned Latvala.
“That can be why he’s world champion, he has some particular abilities that the others don’t have.”
On this article
Tom Howard
WRC
Sébastien Ogier
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