Ogier holds key to WRC driver market

For the third year in succession Sebastien Ogier will weigh another season in a Ford Fiesta WRC against retirement from the World Rally Championship.

By his own admission, jumping ship to another manufacturer would be a big move ahead of his 11th season at the sport’s highest level. But it’s not inconceivable, with a seat obviously available following Kris Meeke’s departure from Citroen.

As well as a potential return to the French firm with whom his world championship adventure started with the 2008 JWRC title, there will be openings at both Hyundai and Toyota. Only Ott Tanak (Toyota) and Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) are locked down for 2019.

“I’m happy with where I am at, I always said that,” Ogier told Autosport. “Everything is going in the direction I want it to at M-sport. We are progressing and when it’s like this you could say there is no reason to change. Let’s say this: I would really need a very convincing offer to move.” Then he paused before the annual and inevitable: “Who knows if I am here next year? That’s another question; I said sometimes already that this [retirement] is an option.”

Should Thierry Neuville secure his first world title this year, he is all but certain to stay with Hyundai. Citroen is ready and willing to table negotiations with Ogier, and Toyota would have the wherewithal to attract him. Once Ogier has made his move, the rest of the market will fall into place – which means there will be more pressure than normal for the reigning champion to make an early decision, something he hasn’t managed for the past two years.