Part-time driver Sebastien Ogier leads the 2023 WRC standings after two wins. The eight-time rally champion could start again in Sardinia.
Sebastien Ogier impresses with strong results in his part-time season with Toyota in the 2023 World Rally Championship (WRC). The eight-time champion has competed in three out of four races and has taken two wins in Monte Carlo and Mexico.
With a fifth place finish in Croatia, the Frenchman leads the overall standings, level on points with his team-mate Elfyn Evans. The Sardinia Rally could be Ogier’s next outing.
The 39-year-old rules out a start in the Rally Portugal from May 11th to 14th, 2023, but Ogier could be back in action for the sixth round of the season.
Rally Sardinia on the Italian island looks like a good opportunity for the Frenchman to get back in the action. “I don’t know the team’s plans as to when they will announce that, but chances are the fans will be able to see me there,” said Ogier of his plans.
Part-time rally driver Ogier leads the WRC classification
Toyota Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala added: “There is an opportunity for Sardinia and we are looking at it now to see if he will compete there.” Ogier ended his full-time career after the 2021 season to spend more time with his family.
In 2022 he contested a total of six rallies, and Sardinia could be his fourth stop in the 2023 season. The round in Italy is the sixth of 13 rallies on the 2023 World Championship calendar.
In the overall standings, Ogier leads despite his part-time programme, but he will most likely lose a few positions after the Rally Portugal. He and Evans each have 69 points, followed by current champion Kalle Rovanperä on 68 points. Ott Tänak in the M-Sport-Ford is also within striking distance with 65 points, Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville is fifth with 58 points.
The Rally Croatia was turbulent recently: Neuville retired while in the lead, Evans clinched victory. Ogier was penalized during the rally for not wearing his seat belt properly.
Also, a fight broke out between fans on the track, which almost ended in tragedy when a car was shot at. The next stop is Portugal, before Ogier could be back in the Toyota in Sardinia from June 1st to 4th, 2023.