Part-time competitor Sébastien Ogier emerged victorious after an intense Rally Finland. In the championship standings, the Frenchman climbed to second place, leaving Hyundai’s Ott Tänak trailing by four points.
Elfyn Evans’ retirement on the final day of the rally left the Welshman with zero points, dropping him to fourth place in the championship, 36 points behind the leader.
Although Ogier is 27 points behind championship leader Thierry Neuville, he appears to be Toyota’s last hope to challenge the Hyundai duo for the driver’s title. However, there is a small problem in the equation: ‘Seb’ doesn’t care!
Ogier has often expressed his frustration with the current state of the WRC, where winning an event can be nearly meaningless in terms of points.
It’s a familiar situation this season. Although the pressure from Toyota on Ogier must be immense, the decision to compete for the remainder of the season ultimately rests with the Frenchman.
“Now everybody wants me to fight for the title, but I don’t feel so much for it at the moment. Especially with this point system, which is a joke,” Ogier shared his feelings after Rally Finland when asked if he would compete in the remaining races of the season.
Ogier earned 24 points for his victory in Rally Finland, while runner-up Neuville received only one point less.
Under the current points system, closing gaps is more challenging than in previous seasons. Although catching up those 27 points would require a miracle, it is not entirely impossible.
But if Ogier decides not to compete, Neuville’s first championship title becomes almost within reach.
It is certain that Ogier’s name will appear on the entry list for next month’s Rally Greece. After the Acropolis Rally, Seb will once again have a new decision to make.
