OGIER LOOKS TO LIFE AFTER THE WRC
Sebastien Ogier has admitted his next contract will be his last in the World Rally Championship.
The Frenchman is embroiled in negotiations about his future and wants his decision made before the end of next month. Increasingly, he looks to have three options: stay where he is at M-sport, return to Citroen or call time on a stellar career in world rallying.
“It’s clear that I’m coming towards the end of my career,” said Ogier, “and if there’s another contract, it’ll be the last one. I’m lucky to have had good years with some good victories – it’s not about the money for me. Like always, the first priority will be the performance and the chance to chase more wins next season.”
The chances of a move to Hyundai or Toyota look to have faded with both teams looking likely to retain their current line-up. Hyundai team manager Alain Penasse told MN: “We made it always very clear that Thierry is our first choice and to make Thierry stay we would be not so serious to talk about Ogier. For me, we are 99 per cent done with Thierry and unless we see somebody coming with an offer to make him a multimillionaire then I think it will be done.”
Beyond admitting the need for a driver capable of winning the championship, Citroen’s Pierre Budar wouldn’t be drawn on 2019.
“I cannot tell you anything,” he said. “We are talking and the discussions are still going on and that’s all I will say.”