Ogier says fourth WRC title holds same value as the first
Newly-crowned World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier says his fourth title in the championship means as much to him as his maiden crown in 2013.
Sébastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia, Volkswagen Polo WRC, Volkswagen Motorsport
Volkswagen Motorsport
The French driver sealed the 2016 championship with victory in Rally Spain on Sunday, with two rounds still remaining in the season, adding to his titles from the preceding three years.
It means Ogier equals Juha Kankkunen and Tommi Makinen as a four-time title winner, with only nine-time champion Sebastien Loeb having won more.
Talking about how his latest title feels in comparison with previous ones in an interview on official WRC website, he said: “You don’t want to compare them.
“There were always some differences, but they are always so enjoyable and always meaning a lot for me, even if they happen in different conditions.
“This year, once again, we had to fight hard to get it and I’m as proud of this one as the others.
"Of course, you always feel the first one a bit stronger because you reach your goal, your dream, but this one has the same value."
2015 crash in mind
Twelve months ago, Ogier had crashed out of the Duesaigues Power Stage in Rally Spain while on course for an easy win, but this time he made sure to cross the line to put himself in the history books.
“Before the final stage I had it a bit in my mind and I really extra concentrated myself before the start to be awake," he admitted.
"I know that stage perfectly and if I was really concentrated there was no reason to make a mistake. Last year I was a bit too relaxed maybe on this one."
Despite having won five rallies this season, Ogier has yet to register a win on a pure gravel-based event, having been a vocal critic of the running order rules that force the championship leader to open the road for the entire event barring the final day.
The new champion says this is something he is determined to change in Wales Rally GB later this month.
"It’s the first time we made the Grand Slam on asphalt," Ogier said. "No gravel wins this season, but it’s still my favourite surface.
"I guess I have the chance to put that right on the next round in Britain. That’s my next target, to correct that statistic."
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