Ogier is chasing his 11th top spot on his home roads. Hailing from the small village of Forest-Saint-Julien near the rally hub city of Gap, Ogier has unrivalled experience in the French Alps.
Although many other drivers have been competing in Monte Carlo for years, Ogier seems to find something extra every time.
“As with every year, it’s exciting for me to start Rallye Monte-Carlo. It’s the rally that means the most to me and the one that made me dream, so it was a proud moment to win it for a 10th time last year. The target will be the same this time, but it never gets any easier,” Ogier says.
Last season was a fairytale one for Ogier. He began the year with a half-season approach, but as the driving went well, he decided to fight for the championship. His ninth career title ultimately came, even though Ogier skipped three rallies in the opening half of the season.
“It’s been nice to have some time to celebrate and appreciate what we achieved last year, but the focus is already on the new season when everyone starts again from zero,” Ogier sums up.
“Even though I won’t be driving on every rally just as in the last few seasons, it’s still going to be quite an intense schedule. We will try to make the best of it together with this great team, which is always pushing hard to keep improving every year.”
Rally Monte Carlo gets under way today, Wednesday, with a shakedown stage. On Thursday, the programme features the first three special stages.
