Ogier is once again competing on a part-time basis this year with Toyota’s Rally1 car. The French ace has looked sharp in his first two outings of the season: he claimed victory at Monte Carlo in January and finished second in the Canary Islands asphalt rally in late April.
Portugal’s gravel event is one of Ogier’s favourites. He has won the rally six times – more than any other driver.
“Now we are back on gravel. It’s been a much longer time for me. The last gravel event for me was Rally Chile last year. So it’s even more important to get back into rhythm,” Ogier said during his test day.
There was plenty of work to be done in his test in northern Portugal.
“Again, a big change with the tyre, so also a lot of things to learn on that side. The weather conditions were difficult, so a bit of everything and a lot of work.”
Last year, Rally1 cars had the benefit of hybrid units and used Pirelli tyres. Now, the hybrids are gone and Hankook is the new tyre supplier.
A lot has changed since Ogier last drove on gravel more than seven months ago in Chile.
“Now we are getting used slowly to having a bit less power than last year, and that means you need to have an even cleaner driving style,” Ogier said.
Rain fell heavily at times during Ogier’s test day. The eight-time world champion made an interesting observation.
“If I’m honest, the new tyres are pretty challenging to drive in these conditions. They have a very close pattern and it’s very easy to aquaplane with this car, and that’s why it’s sometimes challenging to keep the car on the road. But we’re working on it,” Ogier noted.
“We’ve seen in Gran Canaria how important it is to have a good setup. I think it will be the case again now as we start a series of rallies on gravel”
Rally Portugal will be held around the city of Porto from 15–18 May.
Watch the video below of Ogier’s test ahead of Rally Portugal:
