At the Monte Carlo Rally there is another “giant duel” between Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier. Together, the two French have won this classic 15 times. Loeb celebrated seven victories and Ogier is the record winner with eight victories.
Both will not contest the entire 2022 WRC season. World champion Ogier is planning a part-time program with Toyota. Loeb will be racing for M-Sport Ford for the first time. Further rallies have not yet been confirmed for the record world champion.
Since the world title is not at stake for either of them, the “Monte” could become a prestige duel. In addition, a new era in rallying is beginning with the new hybrid cars based on Rally1 regulations.
The preparation time for Loeb was very short. After finishing second in the Dakar Rally, he flew straight from Saudi Arabia to the south of France to complete the recce. Ogier is looking forward to the duel with Loeb.
“I always come to beat everyone – including Sebastien of course,” Ogier told the English edition of “Motorsport.com”. “I’m aware that the rivalry between us will be a big topic of conversation again. The fans like that.”
“I think that’s good, because it gives the rally a little extra attention. That’s always good for the sport. We respect each other. We’ve had a lot of duels in the past. If there’s another duel, it will be a pleasure for me.”
The new Rally1 cars are more difficult to drive
The last time the two Frenchmen competed against each other was in January 2020 at the “Monte”. Ogier was second in the Toyota back then. Loeb drove a Hyundai and finished sixth. The big question mark concerns the new generation of cars this time.
“It’s difficult to say whether we’re ready or not,” says Ogier of his new Yaris. “You can’t say you’re 100 per cent ready. Probably nobody can at this point. We just have to do our best.”
“Honestly, the car is a bit more difficult to drive with very little grip. But it’s difficult to compare it to the other teams. That’s the big question. We’ve seen some accidents lately. I think that confirms that. “
“The car is more difficult to drive, so I don’t think Monte Carlo will be an easy rally for anyone,” fears the eight-time world champion. Ogier also won the “Monte” a year ago.
Ogier appears relaxed
Now he is starting the year relaxed because he knows that the World Cup is not important to him personally. “Of course I’m more relaxed now because everyone knows that I won’t be driving the entire season. That takes some of the pressure off me,” says Ogier.
“I don’t know yet what strategy I’m going to follow. It depends on how I feel in the car. I’ve always done that in my career. If I feel good, then I’ll push. I think it’s going to be important be to find a good feeling.”
“Personally, I have a little less stress for the World Cup, but the team is counting on me because I have a record at the ‘Monte’. The team expects me to get good points. I have to do that.”
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