Ogier has already won his home event eight times at the WRC level, plus one additional win in 2009 when it was held outside the championship. Fellow Frenchman Sebastien Loeb also boasts eight WRC Monte Carlo victories, giving Ogier every reason to seek at least one more win on home soil.
The rally begins and ends as usual in Monaco, with the service park located in Gap at the foot of the Alps. Ogier’s hometown of Forest-Saint-Julien is just a half-hour drive from Gap.
Despite his local advantage, Ogier isn’t taking anything for granted.
“Every year I mention that Monte Carlo never gets easier, even after many, many starts. I always have this massive respect, and even this little bit of fear somehow inside you, knowing you’re going to face conditions you don’t expect,” Ogier admits.
“And it’s about trying to, of course, manage the risk, as often in rallying, but probably even more with these winter conditions. But again, with a lot of changes with the tyres and the car, it means this year we probably arrive here less prepared than ever. However, I believe that will be the case for almost everybody at the start.”
Toyota, represented by Ogier, is once again fielding a formidable lineup for the 2025 season. At its strongest, the team can bring five cars to events, which it’s doing right away for the Monte Carlo season opener. Alongside Ogier, the Toyota Rally1 cars will be driven by Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.
“I think it’s a big team this year. Five cars in most of the races. It’s a lot of Toyotas, which is good, and a lot of talent. Obviously, it’s nice to see Kalle coming back for the full season, which will surely boost the team’s title chances,” Ogier states.
The Rally Monte Carlo kicks off Thursday evening with three night stages and concludes on Sunday.
