Ogier is once again contesting a partial WRC programme with Toyota, competing in selected rallies. Last season, he secured his ninth world title despite skipping three events.
Ahead of this season, it was known that Ogier would contest at least eight WRC rounds. Even so, many within the sport consider it almost certain that Ogier is dreaming of a tenth world title – which would require a minimum of ten or even 11 starts this year.
Last weekend, Ogier opened his season with a third-place finish at his signature event, Rally Monte Carlo. This time, the French star had to concede defeat to his Toyota team-mates Oliver Solberg and Elfyn Evans on home ground.
After the rally, Ogier was satisfied for one particular reason.
“I’m honestly very happy now to have a break. It’s been a very long time without one – I’ve been a full-time driver since the middle of last year,” Ogier admitted.
“Coming here to Rally Monte Carlo this week, I honestly had to convince myself that I was happy to be here, because the break felt much too short. And this has nothing to do with the result or any frustration.”
At the same time, Ogier revealed that he will next be seen in action at the iconic Safari Rally in March.
“I’m still happy with this podium, but even more than that, I’m happy that I now have a break until Kenya,” Ogier said.
Ogier’s announcement can be considered a major surprise, as he skipped the long-distance African event in both of the previous two seasons.
However, the Frenchman has all the tools to succeed on the punishing savannah gravel roads, having already won the Kenyan round in 2021 and 2023.
Ogier will sit out February’s Rally Sweden. Safari Rally Kenya is scheduled for 12–15 March.
