What Ogier wants to put right in Chile as quest for ninth WRC title continues

Seven podiums from seven World Rally Championship events has put Sebastien Ogier in a prime position to lift a record-equalling ninth world title, despite sitting out three rallies.

This head turning 100% podium return is a streak the Toyota driver is eager to continue when the world championship heads to Chile this week, sitting only nine points away from the championship lead.

Ogier began the year with his main priority being to assist Toyota in retaining its manufacturers’ championship crown given his wish to only contest a part-time campaign. 

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However, such has been the performances the 41-year-old has delivered, this year the odds on Ogier lifting a ninth drivers’ title are shortening as the season continues. A stunning come from behind win in Paraguay two weeks ago, after dropping almost 40 seconds to a puncture, marked his fourth win from seven events, adding to triumphs in Monte Carlo, Portugal and Sardinia. Ogier has won twice as many rounds as his full-time rivals while also finishing no worse than third. 

A desire to continue this increasing momentum is one of two objectives on Ogier’s agenda in Chile this week.

“It was great to win in Paraguay and stand on the top step of the podium, and we will try to continue the same way in Chile. We haven’t finished off the podium this year, and the plan is to keep it like that as we continue the fight in the championship,” said Ogier, who sits third in the championship standings. 

Ogier’s mission to extend his podium streak will require a clean run in Chile that the Frenchman knows is not a given. Twelve months ago, Ogier found himself in a similar position eyeing a ninth drivers’ world title. However, his title bid began to unravel when he suffered a puncture that dropped him from the lead, before hitting a rock in stage eight that ended his victory bid.

“Last year was my first time back in Chile since 2019 and we had amazing speed but we didn’t have a clean weekend to bring it all together. So we’ll definitely be trying to put that right this year,” he added.

“The roads there are enjoyable to drive and the atmosphere is nice like always when we’re in South America, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Ogier’s season in numbers 

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