Sébastien Ogier has acknowledged that his dream of securing a record-equalling ninth World Rally Championship drivers’ title is over following a disastrous Rally Chile. A costly retirement on Saturday has left Ogier with virtually no chance of catching current points leader Thierry Neuville.
Ogier’s rally was marred by several setbacks, starting with a run wide on stage three that resulted in a 1m45s delay after clattering a bank and having to stop to change a de-beaded wheel. This mishap plunged the Frenchman down to 15th place. Despite a strong recovery to ninth position, including two stage wins on Friday, Ogier’s hopes were dashed when he clipped a rock on Saturday morning, breaking the suspension on his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and forcing him to retire.
If Neuville maintains his current fourth-place position at the end of Saturday, his lead over Ogier would extend to 48 points, leaving only 60 points available across the final two rallies of the season. Acknowledging the near-impossible task ahead, Ogier conceded that his chances of a ninth title have slipped away.
“It looks like it for sure,” Ogier said about his fading championship hopes. “It wasn’t really a target until two rallies ago. But as soon as the opportunity came up, I tried to fight for it.”
Ogier reflected on the championship implications, admitting, “Many people have said it wouldn’t have been fair for the championship if I won without competing all season. But at the end of the day, I’m a competitor, and I did everything I could.”
The veteran driver also cited recent mechanical failures and errors that have been too costly. “In Greece, the turbo issue on the team’s side and here my mistakes were just too much,” Ogier added.
Ogier is expected to return to compete on Sunday, aiming to collect valuable classification and powerstage points for Toyota in the manufacturers’ championship. Despite his slim hopes, teammates Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä running first and second at the rally’s halfway mark are keeping Toyota’s faint title aspirations alive.
“Unfortunately, we’re not in a great position in the manufacturers’ championship, but my teammates are doing well this weekend,” Ogier noted. “I really hope they can continue, and I’ll do my best to bring more points to the team.”
Ogier’s spirit remains undeterred as he looks to contribute to Toyota’s ongoing battle, but the door on his quest for a historic ninth title has seemingly closed.
