Ogier was celebrating his ninth World Rally Championship title while also promoting next week’s Rally Monte Carlo with his newly styled Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 car. However, things did not go entirely according to plan, as Ogier slid into a concrete barrier in a left-hand corner.
The French champion’s tyres locked up and the rally car hit the concrete barrier at low speed. Fortunately for Ogier, the speed was so low that only the car’s front bumper suffered cosmetic damage on the left-hand side. Ogier reversed for a short while and then continued on his way.
The crowd nevertheless seemed to be enjoying themselves in the host city of the Monte Carlo World Rally Championship, Gap, as can be seen in the video below. In a roundabout, Ogier spun stylish “donuts” without any contact.
It also emerged on Sunday that the livery of Ogier’s rally car at his home event differs from that of the other Toyota drivers. Ogier’s sponsor Red Bull features prominently, and the paintwork has otherwise also been updated.
Rally Monte Carlo gets under way on Wednesday, 21 January, with a shakedown stage. On Thursday, the first three special stages are on the schedule, with the final two once again run in the dark. In total, there will be 17 stages, covering approximately 340 kilometres.
Ogier is chasing a record-breaking tenth victory from his home WRC round.
