2023-06-01 08:45:04
Even if he has only competed in three out of five rallies this season, Sébastien Ogier can mathematically regain the lead in the world rally championship in Sardinia this Sunday.
This would certainly be a first, and not necessarily good publicity for the world rally championship, but the fact remains that Sébastien Ogier, who is competing in the season part-time this year, like last year, can dream of a ninth world champion title in the event of extremely favorable circumstances. This weekend takes place the Rally of Sardinia, sixth of the thirteen events of the WRC season, and if all goes in his favor, the 39-year-old French driver can regain the lead in the world championship.
Winner of Rally Monte-Carlo and Rally Mexico and fifth in Rally Croatia, Sébastien Ogier has 69 points and is third in the general classification, 29 points behind world champion Kalle Rovanperä and twelve points behind Ott Tänak., who have contested all the races so far. Knowing that a maximum of 30 points (25 for a victory + 5 bonus in the event of victory in the last special), the Toyota driver can therefore take control before going to compete in the Kenya rally at the end of the month.
Two 50 kilometer specials
In the meantime, there will be 19 specials to cover between Thursday evening and Sunday noon, including two of 49.9 kilometers (No. 4 and No. 7) which are enough to scare the drivers, their tires and their hybrid engine. But Sébastien Ogier is ready to take up the challenge, especially since he won’t be leading the way. He is in any case eager to do battle, as he confided on Wednesday, the day before the start: “Sardinia is a rally that I have learned to love. At first I had trouble getting into it, but over the years I started to master it more and more. The most recent memories I have of Sardinia are really good since we managed to win in 2021 following starting first on the road, which is not normally possible on this event. We will have a better starting position this time, but it will still be a tough challenge, especially with this very long 50 kilometer stage that the organizers have made for this year. I like this challenge, honestly; it adds spice to the rally and the need for tire management. It will certainly be an interesting rally. »
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