WRC title leader Ogier expects intense Central Europe battle

Sebastien Ogier is expecting an intense battle at this week’s Central European Rally as he looks to take a step closer to securing a record equalling ninth World Rally Championship title.

The Toyota driver has moved to the top of the WRC standings after scoring an impressive fifth win of the season in Chile last month, from only eight starts, as the Frenchman’s remarkable partial campaign continued.

Ogier’s rise to the championship lead is the result of incredibly consistency with the 41-year-old yet to finish outside of the podium positions this year after finishing second in the Canary Islands and Greece, while coming home third in Finland.

Back-to-back victories in Paraguay and Chile last month helped Ogier surge into two point championship lead over Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans ahead of the WRC’s return to asphalt in Central Europe this week.

The timing for Ogier couldn’t be better given he will face the best of the road conditions, starting first on the road as championship leader.  

However, Ogier is expecting to face a tough battle from his title rivals Evans, Kalle Rovanpera and Hyundai’s Ott Tanak.   

“It feels very good to be where we are and fighting for this championship, but things are still very close and I know that these last rallies are going to be tough," he said.

"I expect everyone will be giving their best, and I know that our competitors can be strong on asphalt, so it’s very much game on and I’m looking forward to an intense battle."

While Ogier will start the rally with the prime road position, the event hasn’t been too kind to him in the past. A puncture hampered his bid in 2023, resulting in a run to fourth.

Last year Ogier was leading the rally heading into the final day before an off followed by a rare crash that forced the Toyota driver to retire from the event, effectively ending his 2024 title hopes.
  
“It’s nice to have this rally in Central Europe, close to my current home and with lots of fan support,” he added. 

“It can be a demanding rally but we had great speed last year, we’ve had some good pre-event testing and a good feeling in the car, and I’ll definitely try my best to bring a top result.”

The rally begins with two passes through the 12.83km Golf und Therme stage on Thursday night

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