Ogier finished third in his home event, which concluded on Sunday, ending up more than two minutes behind the sensational rally winner Oliver Solberg.
Ogier has been the undisputed king of Monte Carlo for years, but now he seemed to have met his match. However, the French champion took the situation very calmly.
“I think we were able to anticipate it a bit before the start when we saw the forecast, with a lot of snow and being the front runner. These conditions are always very, very difficult. For about 50% of the rally, up to Friday night, we were opening the road, which made it even more challenging,” Ogier summed up after the rally.
“Even after that, the conditions remained tricky right up to the finish. In particular, all the slushy sections were really unpleasant to drive,” he continued.
Throughout the weekend, Ogier was never really seen launching a proper attack at any point. Apart from a few flashes.
“I didn’t feel that I could take the risks that would have been required for outright speed, because I like to be able to push when I am fully in control. In these conditions, control is never complete, Ogier explained.
However, Ogier was satisfied with third place.
“That’s why I decided at that point that a podium finish would already be a very good result here – and that would be enough to make me happy,” he stated.
Ogier has finished on the podium in Monte Carlo almost every time he has taken part in the rally. Although he collected good team points and a decent haul of points for himself as well, that did not particularly interest the Frenchman.
“Points are not actually the thing I’m looking at most here,” Ogier said.
“Honestly, a podium finish means more. I am genuinely happy that I am here once again. This is now the 15th time on the podium from 17 starts, which I think is quite incredible. I am fairly sure that this won’t happen again – or if it does, this is a record that really takes some work to break. We always say that records are made to be broken, but I believe this will not be one of the easiest,” Ogier fired off.
