Ogier keen to test World Rallycross car

The Volkswagen driver present at the World RX round at Hockenheim in Germany, on Friday, was spotted in Mattias Ekstrom's Audi S1 Supercar, while chatting to the Swede about the discipline.

“You cannot tell much [without driving a World RX car] but the biggest difference must be that the power in rallycross is much higher than in rally, even though next year we are going to get a bit closer than we are now," said the Frenchman to Motorsport.com.

“Sooner or later I have to make a small test with the [rallycross] car. Mattias has invited me a few times already.

"But we’re always running a bit out of time and also it’s never so easy when we are with different manufacturers; even if they are the same group, it’s a problem to drive an Audi if you are a Volkswagen driver," he added.

“For a test it will be fine. I’ll have to try it to really judge an impression what a rallycross car is like. Everyone says it’s so enjoyable to drive these cars, so I have to discover it.”

WRC champion sees Rallycross appeal

Ogier says that although he feels that the challenge of rallying is the highest in motorsport, the spectacle of rallycross is what makes this form appealing.

“I think the excitement of rally must be the highest, I mean we are racing on so many different kinds of surface," he started.

"Rally is much longer [than rallycross] and I think that’s what makes rally very special. But for sure for the show, rallycross is very nice.

"The adrenalin at the start line is even higher and it’s a crucial point for the drivers,” the French star added.

Not ruling out Rallycross switch

When asked if he has plans to switch to Rallycross, much like fellow countryman Sebasiten Loeb, Ogier said he currently has no plans, but didn’t totally rule it out in the future.

“At the moment there is no plan [to race in a World RX event], I’m just here for fun and watching, but you never know," he said.

"I will not say I will never do it because it could happen, but at the moment there is no plan.”

The triple WRC champion thinks rallycross is accessible for drivers from a range of disciplines because of its nature. “It’s a bit like circuit racing where experience is less important than in rally.

"Rallying is probably the sport where experience is the most important to get into it, to the top level, for sure it’s very hard for a circuit racing to get to a good level in rally unless they are spending a lot of time to learn it," he said.

"Rallycross is more accessible for lots of drivers and like I say it’s a good show and definitely a good series.

"These must be some of the fastest cars from zero to 100, and every racing driver loves to have a big kick in the ass when you release the handbrake.”

Ekstrom racing in both World RX and the DTM this weekend as part of his 2016 programme, enjoyed having Ogier with the team.

“We are friends and I have big respect for what he is doing in the rally world,” the Swede said Motorsport.com.

“For me his performance is outstanding. He is like me, he loves motorsport and likes to try new things.

"So it’s nice of him to come here on a free weekend to have a look, to be our guest and to enjoy the world of rallycross," he added.