Local resident Sébastien Ogier will try for a sixth straight world title in the Monte Carlo Rally, which starts from Place du Casino on Thursday, January 25.
“Only a sixth world title will satisfy me, anything less will be a failure,” Ogier told AFP. “It’s going to be a fight, tougher than ever, but that is what we want,” the 34-year-old said. The Monte-Carlo Rally is especially significant as it’s the season opener and one of just four on tarmac.
French ace Ogier of Ford won last year’s the title despite only winning twice, including the Monte-Carlo, while Belgium’s Thierry Neuville secured four wins last year behind the wheel of his Hyundai.
In addition to Ford, Toyota, Citroen, and Hyundai are all fielding top drivers for the new 13-rally season that sees a number of changes. Seven legs of the championship are contested on dirt tracks including the summer heat of Turkey, back on the schedule at Poland’s expense.
Ogier is counting on his Ford Fiesta to once again come up trumps. “The truth is it’s the same car as last year,” Ogier said. “There are evolutions here and there, but no revolutions,” he said. “But Ford will make it perform better.”