As one of the main favourites for the tarmac rally, which features stages in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria, Ogier will look to improve upon last year’s performance, where he suffered a puncture and finished in fourth place.
According to Ogier, his preparation for the weekend could have been more ideal.
“My test was in different condition what it looks right now. In my test it was bit more wet and slippery road. I would say not ideal condition and not ideal road either,” he remarked.
“We tried our best during the test day. But after such a long time, not driving on tarmac, I would say there is more question marks than usually about the setup starting the rally,” Ogier added.
Thierry Neuville has the chance to clinch the drivers’ title in Central Europe. Although Ogier trails the Belgian by 41 points, keeping his title hopes theoretical, his focus is firmly on the manufacturers’ championship.
Hyundai holds a 17-point lead over Toyota in the manufacturers’ standings with two rallies remaining, keeping the battle wide open.
Ogier hopes he can challenge for the win on the tricky tarmac roads.
“I think the situation shouldn’t be as bad as last year – last year was terrible. There was basically almost only chance for the first car to be fast. And then every single car was losing a couple of seconds more,” the Frenchman recalled.
“Now this year, with dry weather expected so far, it should remain a little bit more constant. And we hope we can be in the fight because that’s the target.”
The Central European Rally kicks off on Thursday with two stages and concludes on Sunday.
