Ogier initially planned to only compete in half of this year’s WRC season, but that plan changed mid-season.
Toyota’s expected top contender in the championship, Elfyn Evans, fell behind the Hyundai drivers, leaving Ogier as the only Toyota driver with a realistic shot at the drivers’ world championship.
Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala managed to persuade Ogier to race in all remaining rounds, and the Frenchman himself was undoubtedly enticed by the prospect of a ninth world title, which would bring him level with his compatriot Sebastien Loeb.
However, Ogier has made an unusual number of mistakes in the latter part of the season. His chance for a ninth title slipped away on the penultimate stage of the Central European Rally, where he went off the road following a driving error.
This season has just one event remaining, with the final round taking place in Japan at the end of November. But what are Ogier’s plans for next year?
“I haven’t really agreed on anything yet with the team,” Ogier told RallyJournal.com.
“But the general idea would be to carry on being involved with the team as a part-time driver and, more likely, back to a true half-time schedule rather than three-quarters of the season like this year,” Ogier revealed.
Ogier had a strong start to this season, winning three events and remaining in the title fight until near the end of the season. But then a string of errors began; Ogier made mistakes in Greece, Chile, and Central Europe, ultimately ending his chances for the championship.
There is strong speculation that Ogier could share driving duties in the same Toyota Rally1 car with Sami Pajari next season.