Sebastien Ogier expressed interest in contending for a World Rally Championship title and is open to participating in more events if his successful part-time campaign continues. Despite missing three rallies, he is currently third in the championship, only 21 points behind the leader Ott Tanak, boasting an impressive average of 28 points per round this season. While Ogier’s main focus is on aiding Toyota rather than pursuing a ninth world title, his strong performance raises the possibility of a championship battle if his form persists. Ogier’s collaboration with Toyota’s championship aspirations last year expanded his partial 2024 campaign to 10 rounds, contributing to Toyota winning the constructors’ crown.
Ahead of Rally Finland, Ogier acknowledged the surprising proximity to the championship lead despite skipping several events, maintaining a cautious yet optimistic approach towards his chances. He emphasized the need for flawless execution throughout the season to remain competitive and acknowledged the significant challenge of winning the championship with missed rallies. Ogier’s willingness to potentially increase his event participation towards the season’s end hinges on sustaining his current high points-scoring rate. In preparation for Rally Finland, Ogier and the Toyota team have been exploring new setup strategies following Oliver Solberg’s strong performance in Rally Estonia. Ogier highlighted the team’s collaborative effort in adapting to different driving styles and expressed readiness to adjust accordingly for optimal performance in upcoming events.
