Autosport Top 50 of 2024: #31 Sebastien Ogier

Such was his velocity, Sebastien Ogier was persuaded by Toyota to increase his partial marketing campaign to an eventual 10 rounds.

The Frenchman delivered his finest to attain three wins, together with a record-breaking sixth Portugal triumph to surpass WRC great Markku Alen. Victories in Croatia and Finland additionally proved important for Toyota, however paled subsequent to a mesmerising final stage of the year in Japan to snatch the manufacturers’ title from Hyundai.

Ogier topped the stage wins chart (52), however a collection of uncharacteristic errors and misfortune blighted the top of his 12 months and extinguished faint hopes of a ninth world title.

Ogier has no regrets as class reveals no indicators of diminishing

As soon as once more, arguably the WRC’s biggest driver of all time confirmed his price in 2024. Had tremendous margins gone in his favour, a record-equalling drivers’ title to match compatriot Sebastien Loeb might have materialised, however Sebastien Ogier’s contribution to Toyota’s fourth consecutive producers’ crown proves he’s nonetheless price his weight in gold.

There have been errors alongside the way in which, highlighted by a rally-ending crash in Central Europe that marked the third occasion in succession the place the Frenchman hit hassle. This adopted turbo failure and a ultimate stage crash on the Acropolis, in addition to a puncture/crash in Chile.

However as a rule, Ogier was the pacesetter throughout his 2024 appearances and by no means doubted his skill in these troublesome moments.

“Initially, we reached the goal which was the producers’ title,” the 41-year-old stated. “It was an in depth name and it went to the final stage of the season; we needed to push to succeed in that. We needed to be dedicated within the automotive and that has been my factor. Once I know I’ve the arrogance, I can push laborious and I do know I may be the quickest.

“I’m proud of the whole lot and I’ve no regrets. We by no means actually deliberate to battle for the drivers’ title and lacking some races means it’s troublesome to go for it. Every little thing needed to be excellent to battle for the drivers’ title and it wasn’t doable.

“In fact, it’s all the time difficult if you find yourself not full-time, however this 12 months doing a bit extra helped me to be at a robust stage of efficiency and this final 4 rallies we now have been the most effective performer. I actually loved these rallies [where we had issues], so it was a little bit of a paradox. I loved them loads and felt so good behind the wheel, however in some way we didn’t get the end result we wished.

“On the finish of the day, I by no means misplaced the religion I can nonetheless do it. If I’m nonetheless doing it, it’s as a result of the enjoyable remains to be there driving these automobiles on the restrict.”

Amid a widespread FIA clampdown on drivers’ swearing and sharing their views, the eight-time champion used his platform to ship a daring and vital message to the FIA with his protest in Chile – after being handed a suspended €30,000 fine for feedback directed to organisers relating to the security of a stage on the Acropolis Rally.

Ogier will contest fewer WRC rallies subsequent 12 months, however with a brand new management tyre from Hankook and hybrid energy being faraway from the automobiles, his expertise and skill to adapt will once more show extraordinarily priceless to Toyota in 2025.

Ogier is not anticipated to contest as many rallies for Toyota subsequent 12 months, however his contribution will nonetheless be essential

Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Photographs