Ogier’s original plan for the 2024 WRC season was to compete in around half of the rallies. However, the Frenchman ended up participating in 10 of the season’s 13 events with Toyota.
Ogier agreed to a request from Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala after Rally Finland. At that point, Ogier was Toyota’s best hope in the drivers’ championship battle against Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak. Additionally, Toyota needed reinforcements in the manufacturers’ championship, where they were significantly trailing.
Ogier ultimately complied with his employer’s wishes and competed in all the remaining rallies. However, the results did not match his earlier performances: Ogier rolled his car on the final stage of the Acropolis Rally in Greece, retired in Chile after hitting a loose rock, and suffered a bitter crash on the final day of the Central European Rally.
Despite these setbacks, Ogier believes expanding his schedule was the right decision.
“We had to play this card with the team together. And that’s why we decided to go for it. Even when it turned out to be not as positive as we were hoping, we never gave up,” Ogier said.
Toyota ultimately triumphed despite the challenges. The drivers’ championship went to Hyundai’s Neuville, but Toyota clinched the manufacturers’ title in dramatic fashion at the season-ending Rally Japan.
However, Ogier fell short of securing a ninth personal world championship title.
“I think no regret, no regret at all regarding the drivers’ title. It became a target mid season when we had this fantastic run through the six first event. But I would do exactly the same again if I would restart the season,” Ogier stated.
“I’m really happy with the life balance I have now. I’m very happy with my eight titles and in my mind it doesn’t change much if I have one more or one less. So I definitely have no regrets.”
Despite an unlucky streak of three poor rallies late in the season, Ogier is satisfied with his year.
“Reaching this target together with the team there are many positive things I can take from this season: seven podiums in ten rallies. Even with these three really bad ones, it’s really good,” Ogier concluded.
Ogier will continue as a part-time driver for Toyota next season.
