Sebastien Ogier’s dream hangs by a thread

When the second Central European Rally, which is part of the World Cup, is ceremoniously opened in front of Prague Castle on Thursday after the morning shakedown in Tocna at 2 p.m., which also rolls through the Mühl and Innviertel on Saturday, then it will be over Sebastien Ogier in the role of the hunter in focus. His driving skills are served to an audience of millions in 82 countries via TV and stream; the 40-year-old Frenchman, who lives in Monte Carlo, Kitzbühel and Munich, is competing to win his ninth title. This would mean that the Toyota driver would catch up with compatriot and record holder Sebastien Loeb.

But Ogier doesn’t really want to believe in it anymore after his failure at the Rally Chile (defect in the front wheel suspension) three weeks ago. “It seems to be over. Of course I’m a competitor. As long as I have the chance, I’ll try to take advantage of it,” said the champion.

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Two competitions before closing time – the final will take place in Nagoya, Japan (November 21st to 24th) – Ogier has opened up a gap of 41 points to the Belgian leader Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). In a “perfect” rally, a maximum of 30 points can be inherited.

As far as the constructors’ championship is concerned, there is no reason to be optimistic yet. Toyota’s mortgage on Hyundai is limited at 17 points. Ogier therefore goes on the attack: “That was actually my main goal this year. It’s about helping the team.”

Ogier is now speaking out more than he did in Chile, where he declared something of a silent boycott. The trigger was a 30,000 euro fine (suspended for two years) that the sports commissioners had imposed on him after a verbal outburst at the Acropolis Rally. Ogier had complained about the short start intervals of three minutes and the associated visibility problems caused by swirling dust: “Annoying that the sport never learns. What are you thinking? That’s crazy.”

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