INDIA in F1

Tag: Julien Ingrassia

  • Ogier-Ingrassia claim 4th Rally Sardinia victory: WRC

    Ogier-Ingrassia claim 4th Rally Sardinia victory: WRC

    Sardinia, 6 June 2021: Sébastien Ogier stretched his FIA World Rally Championship lead with a convincing but surprise victory at Rally Italia Sardegna on Sunday afternoon.

    The reigning champion headed a Toyota Yaris 1-2 finish on the Mediterranean island’s punishing rock-strewn gravel roads to claim his third win of the season. He finished 46.0sec clear of Elfyn Evans, extending his lead to 11 points after five of the 12 events.

    It was reckoned Ogier could not win this fifth round. As championship leader, he started first in the order on Friday’s opening leg, ploughing a line through loose gravel which became progressively cleaner and offered more grip with the passage of each car.

    The Frenchman was expected to haemorrhage time but ended the day just over half a minute adrift of a dominant Ott Tänak and Hyundai Motorsport team-mate Dani Sordo.

    In improved conditions on Saturday, Ogier punched in a series of fastest times.

    When Tänak ripped a rear wheel from his i20 World Rally Car after hitting a rock and Sordo rolled, Ogier was clear to ease through Sunday’s finale and claim a 52nd career win.

    Evans was initially out of sorts and trailed by more than a minute after the first leg. Set-up changes improved the Welshman’s feeling with his car and a handful of stage wins propelled him up the order to increase Toyota’s manufacturers’ series lead over Hyundai to 49 points.

    There was a late scare when his car spluttered to a halt after the same watersplash that troubled Ogier. He remained motionless for almost 20sec before the engine restarted.
    Third place for Thierry Neuville, a further 19.2sec behind, was scant consolation for Hyundai. The Belgian spent all weekend fine-tuning his i20’s set-up but none of the changes delivered the pace to match the pair ahead.

    Such was the level of attrition that fourth-placed Takamoto Katsuta was the only other top-level driver to avoid retirement. The Japanese pilot matched his career-best finish from the previous round in Portugal, despite a bee buzzing inside his Yaris during one Sunday test.

    Fifth went to FIA WRC2 winner Jari Huttunen. The Hyundai i20 driver relegated Mads Østberg (TRT WRT Citroën C3) when the Norwegian punctured on Sunday’s second stage and held off a determined charge through the final two tests to end 7.5sec ahead.

    FIA WRC3 winner Yohan Rossel finished seventh in a Citroën C3 with Pepe López and Jan Solans next up. Huttunen’s class rival Marco Bulacia (Toksport WRT Škoda Fabia Evo) completed the leaderboard despite a final day roll.

    The championship reaches its midpoint with an emotional return to Africa for the first time since 2002. The legendary Safari Rally Kenya is based in Naivasha on 24 – 27 June.

    Final unofficial results:

    1. Sébastien Ogier (FRA) / Julien Ingrassia (FRA)Toyota Yaris WRC3 hr 19min 26.4sec
    2. Elfyn Evans (GBR) / Scott Martin (GBR)Toyota Yaris WRC3 hr 20min 12.4sec
    3. Thierry Neuville (BEL) / Martin Wydaeghe (BEL) Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC3 hr 20min 31.6sec
    4. Takamoto Katsuta (JAP) / Daniel Barritt (GBR)Toyota Yaris WRC3 hr 25min 37.6sec
    5. Jari Huttunen (FIN) / Mikko Lukka (FIN) – WRC2Hyundai NG i203 hr 28min 58.1sec
    6. Mads Ostberg (NOR) / Torsten Eriksen (NOR) – WRC2Citroën C33 hr 29min 05.6sec
    7. Yohan Rossel (FRA) / Alexandre Coria (FRA) – WRC3Citroën C33 hr 30min 04.1sec
    8. Pepe Lopez (ESP) / D. Vallejo (ESP) – WRC3Škoda Fabia Evo3 hr 30min 30.1sec
    9. Jan Solans (ESP) / R. Sanjuan (ESP) – WRC3Citroën C33 hr 30min 52.7sec
    10. Marco Bulacia (BOL) / M. Ohannesian (ARG) – WRC2Škoda Fabia Evo3 hr 31min 01.0sec

  • Ogier, Ingrassia win Rally Croatia: WRC Round 3

    Ogier, Ingrassia win Rally Croatia: WRC Round 3

    Zagreb (Croatia), 25 April 2021: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia made history this afternoon by winning the first Rally Croatia to count for the FIA World Rally Championship.

    In a dramatic finish to the Wolf Power Stage, the Toyota duo beat their team-mates Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin by 0.6s with Hyundai-powered Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe just 8.1s behind the winners after three days of spectacular action on stunning countryside roads close to the Croatian capital Zagreb.

    Despite nursing damage to the right side of their Yaris WRC following a road traffic accident on the liaison section heading to SS17, overnight leaders Ogier/Ingrassia remained in contention for victory starting the Wolf Power Stage, which they began 3.9s behind Evans/Martin.

    Although the French pair made a minor error, they went quickest through the run to lay down the gauntlet for Evans/Martin. The Britons appeared to have done just enough until they slid wide on a right-hander within sight of the charge to the finish. Starved of vital traction as they mounted an earth bank, the seconds lost meant they completed the stage 4.5s slower than Ogier/Ingrassia to lose the rally by 0.6s.

    “It looks like it really went close to the last metres,” said Ogier, who moves to the top of the WRC standings by eight points. “Maybe the last mistake from Elfyn hand us the win but over the weekend the whole team has done an amazing job. Of course, the emotion for us now is super-strong. It’s been a crazy rollercoaster for us this weekend between the puncture and the issue this morning obviously. I was glad to still be in the race honestly. Now, just to catch this is, I guess, why we do this sport: for this emotion. I said ‘sorry’ to Elfyn because he’s done an amazing job as well. He was very close to do the same this weekend. But I’m very happy for the whole team; Toyota and the car have been amazing this weekend. That’s for you guys: a lot of points. Congrats to all of you.”

    Evans said: “That last corner, I just got onto the loose and completely missed the next corner so for sure, it wasn’t all lost there. But I say one second was gone. That’s a shame but it was a big fight all weekend and hats off to Seb for that last stage. Next time.”

    After completing the Croatia Rally podium in third following his fightback through Saturday afternoon, Neuville said: “I pushed very hard but I overshoot a junction in the stage so I lost easily three seconds. But we have tried, we have tried our best. I was absolutely on the limit of the car all the time, trying to enjoy, which we obviously did. Martijn did a good job, it wasn’t easy for the co-drivers. But we are happy to be here.”

    Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja finished fourth for Hyundai, one place ahead of Adrien Fourmaux/Renaud Jamoul in an M-Sport Ford Fiesta WRC.

    It was a remarkable result for Frenchman Fourmaux, who was competing in a World Rally Car in the WRC for the first time in only his fourth season of rallying. “I’m really, really happy about our weekend, just a bit disappointed for one thing that the rally is finished now,” said Fourmaux. “It was just perfect, I can only say thank you M-Sport and Red Bull for all the opportunity and also the FFSA. They still believe in me after four years. It was an incredible weekend for us. I think we had an amazing pace in some stages… What a weekend. I don’t know [when we will be back in the car]. You will have to ask M-Sport for that.”

    Takamoto Katsuta/Daniel Barritt, who won two stages on Saturday, took sixth place for the third round of the WRC running followed by Gus Greensmith/Chris Patterson, who were slowed by a hydraulic system issue and a brake problem during the morning runs.

    Craig Breen/Paul Nagle, who finished eighth, made up for a frustrating event by going second fastest on the Wolf Power Stage. “Yesterday morning was such a disappointment, 100 metres into the day and already it was game over,” said Breen. “It was difficult to really go at 150 per cent on those tricky stages but, okay, I enjoyed it and I learned a lot. Hopefully we have a lot of food for thought. Hopefully it will not be too long [that I am back in a World Rally Car].”

    Østberg/Eriksen begin WRC2 title defence with victory

    Mads Østberg/Torstein Eriksen overcame brake issues in their Citroën C3 Rally2 to claim the FIA WRC2 win ahead of Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula in ninth overall. Nikolay Gryazin/Konstantin Aleksandrov were in the podium fight but crashed into retirement on SS19.

    “It was one of the worst days I’ve had in a rally car,” said Østberg. “To do a day like today with no brakes. I can’t believe I’m at the end. So many times I couldn’t stop the car and I just had to roll and be really careful. I have no idea why we have this issue, but we forget about that now. We have won the first rally this year and of course we are very happy with that.”

    Kajetan Kajetanowicz and Jon Armstrong took FIA WRC3 and Junior WRC honours respectively.

    Sébastien Ogier (Driver car 1)
    “It has been a real rollercoaster of emotions this weekend. The most important thing is that everyone is safe after what happened this morning on the road section; this was my main concern when it happened. I also thought my rally could be over, but the car was not too badly damaged and we could carry on. I’m not sure I believed it was possible to still win after everything that happened, but I think everybody knows that I never give up and I tried to keep fighting until the end. I feel for Elfyn who did a good job this weekend and was especially strong this morning. But we had good pace this weekend and just had some issues that slowed us down at times. It’s nice to share the podium in another one-two for the team.”

    Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)
    “To come second is never the way you want to finish when you go into the last stage with the lead. Obviously, Seb had a very, very strong last stage and unfortunately for us we made an error on what was basically the last proper corner. It’s frustrating but at the same time it’s a solid result, and a very good result for the team. They have done a great job to give both Seb and I a fantastic car this weekend. We fought tooth and nail all the way through and it was good fun.”

    FINAL CLASSIFICATION, CROATIA RALLY
    1 Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (Toyota Yaris WRC) 2h51m22.9s
    2 Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin (Toyota Yaris WRC) +0.6s
    3 Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +8.1s
    4 Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +1m25.1s
    5 Adrien Fourmaux/Renaud Jamoul (Ford Fiesta WRC) +3m09.7s
    6 Takamoto Katsuta/Dan Barritt (Toyota Yaris WRC) +3m31.8s
    7 Gus Greensmith/Chris Patterson (Ford Fiesta WRC) +3m58.8s
    8 Craig Breen/Paul Nagle (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +4m28.2s
    9 Mads Østberg/Torstein Eriksen (Citroën C3 Rally2) +10m00.8s
    10 Teemu Suninen/Mikko Markkula (Ford Fiesta Rally2) +10m29.3s
    Retired Kalle Rovanperä/Jonne Halttunen (Toyota Yaris WRC)

  • Ogier, Ingrassia celebrate 50th World Rally win

    Ogier, Ingrassia celebrate 50th World Rally win

    24 Jan 2021: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia celebrated their 50th World Rally win and a record eighth victory at Rallye Monte-Carlo on Sunday afternoon.

    Ogier opened the defence of his 2020 FIA World Rally Championship title with a sublime performance in the French Alps, mastering snow and ice to head Toyota Gazoo Racing team-mate Elfyn Evans by 32.6sec in a dominant 1-2 for the Japanese squad.

    The Frenchman’s eight victories span three decades and have been achieved with five different manufacturers. He ended a perfect weekend by winning the final Power Stage to add five bonus points and seal a maximum 30-point haul from the rally.

    The Toyota driver shrugged aside early brake problems in his Yaris WRC. He launched a charging recovery after losing the lead on Saturday following a spin and a puncture to regain top spot ahead of Sunday’s finale in the mountains above Monaco.

    Ogier, who delayed retirement for one final WRC season, more than doubled his lead in the final leg for an emotional win on a rally based in his birthplace of Gap. A 1-2 marked a dream start to Jari-Matti Latvala’s management career as team principal.

    Evans led on Saturday night after Ogier’s time loss, but the Welshman could not repel his colleague and felt he had been over-cautious in the difficult conditions.

    Last year’s victor, Thierry Neuville, finished a further 40.9sec behind in a Hyundai i20. It marked an impressive result for the Belgian who split with long-term co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul less than a week before the start and did not partner replacement Martijn Wydaeghe until Thursday’s opening speed test.

    Neuville climbed to third when Kalle Rovanperä’s hopes of achieving a Toyota clean sweep of the podium ended with a Sunday morning puncture. The Finn finished 1min 20.1sec adrift.

    Dani Sordo was fifth in another i20 after a frustrating weekend for the Spaniard on his last rally with co-driver Carlos del Barrio. Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta rounded off the top six in another Yaris.

    FIA WRC2 winner Andreas Mikkelsen was seventh in a Toksport-run Škoda Fabia ahead of Gus Greensmith’s Ford Fiesta. Mikkelsen’s class rivals Adrien Fourmaux (M-Sport Ford) and Eric Camilli (Sports & You Citroën C3) completed the leaderboard in ninth and tenth.

    Yohan Rossel overcame Power Stage drama to seal his first ever FIA WRC3 victory. He had been locked into a ding-dong duel with fellow Citroën C3 driver Yoann Bonato for much of the event, with the lead toing and froing between the French pair throughout the opening three days. Bonato finished second, over a minute behind, while Nicolas Ciamin completed the all-French, all-Citroën C3 podium.

    Round two of the championship features northern Finland’s all-new Arctic Rally Lapland. The series’ only pure winter rally is based in Rovaniemi on 26 – 28 February.

    2021 Rallye Monte-Carlo – Final unofficial results:

    1. Sébastien Ogier (FRA) / Julien Ingrassia (FRA) Toyota Yaris WRC2 hr 56min 33.7sec
    2. Elfyn Evans (GBR) / Scott Martin (GBR)Toyota Yaris WRC2 hr 57min 06.3sec
    3. Thierry Neuville (BEL) / Martin Wydaeghe (BEL) Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC2 hr 57min 47.2sec
    4. Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) / Jonne Halttunen (FIN) Toyota Yaris WRC2 hr 59min 07.3sec
    5. Dani Sordo (ESP) / Carlos Del Barrio (ESP)Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC2 hr 59min 47.9sec
    6. Takamoto Katsuta (JAP) / Daniel Barritt (GBR)Toyota Yaris WRC3 hr 03min 35.0sec
    7. A. Mikkelsen (NOR) / O. Floene (NOR) – FIA WRC2Škoda Fabia Evo3 hr 03min 57.3sec
    8. Gus Greensmith (GBR) / Elliott Edmondson (GBR) Ford Fiesta WRC3 hr 04min 54.8sec
    9. A. Fourmaux (FRA) / R. Jamoul (FRA) FIA WRC2Ford Fiesta MK II3 hr 05min 49.5sec
    10. E. Camilli (FRA) / FX Buresi (FRA) FIA WRC2Citroën C33 hr 07min 14.7sec
  • Sebastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia win Rally Mexico; it’s Ogier’s 6th

    Sebastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia win Rally Mexico; it’s Ogier’s 6th

    Mexico City, 15 March 2020: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia claimed the win at the end of Saturday on Rally México after the decision was taken to stop the event in the face of fast-changing travel restrictions connected with the global COVID-19 virus outbreak. Ott Tänak piped Teemu Suninen to second place in a thrilling afternoon finale.

    Rally officials, the WRC Promoter and FIA reached a decision to halt the event after SS21. Enough stage distance had been covered to ensure that the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship was eligible for full championship points – with the exception of points for the cancelled Power Stage – and it gave team personnel and members of the international media additional time to return to their countries before any further restrictions were put in place on air travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
    Ogier guided his Toyota Yaris WRC to four stage wins on his way to a 27.8-second victory over defending World Champion Ott Tänak. The success was the Frenchman’s 48th WRC career win, a feat surpassed only by Loeb’s remarkable 79 successes. It also moved Ogier and co-driver, Julien Ingrassia, to the top of the World Championship standings and enabled Toyota to increase its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship. It was the factory Toyota team’s first success on the event and marked the fourth manufacturer with whom the Frenchman has won the rally.

    Rally Mexico podium on Saturday as it ends early due to Corona fears. An FIA image

    M-Sport Ford’s Teemu Suninen fought gallantly to fend off a fierce afternoon challenge from Tänak in his defence of second place, but the young Finn came up just short as the Estonian moved up to fifth in the Drivers’ Championship behind Ogier, Evans, Neuville, and Rovanperä. Tänak won six of the 20 special stages after fighting back from an accident that damaged the rear of the car on Friday morning.

    Elfyn Evans came into the weekend as the series leader but it was never going to be easy for the Welshman to finish on the podium from his first day starting position. Fourth overall enabled the Toyota driver to stay on the coattails of his team-mate in the title race. Young Kalle Rovanperä finished fifth in the third of the Yaris WRCs.

    Sixth-placed Pontus Tidemand wrapped up his third victory in the FIA WRC2 category in Léon with a dominant performance in a Toksport Škoda Fabia Evo. The Swede erred on the side of caution over the final day and eased to victory over Rally Mexico debutant Nicolay Gryazin by 1min 57.7sec, the gap exacerbated by a late drive shaft issue for the Russian.

    Gryazin’s Hyundai team-mate Ole-Christian Veiby ran off a string of stage wins over the final leg, but brake issues had cost the Norwegian too much time on Friday. He finished in 10th place.
     
    Gus Greensmith reached the finish in ninth. He lost out on a top six finish in the second of the Ford Fiesta WRCs after a time-consuming battery issue on the second stage of the day and recovered strongly to gain an extra pace on the closing super specials.
     
    Young Bolivian driver Marco Bulacia had missed out on a FIA WRC2 category win on the event in 2019, but the talented Škoda Fabia driver dominated the newly-named FIA WRC3 section, finished eighth overall and 4min 11.1sec in front of the Citroën C3 of Chilean runner-up Emilio Fernández. Ricardo Triviño was the leading Mexican driver in 12th overall, third in WRC3 and winner of the NACAM category after an impressive drive.

    2020 Rally Mexico – Final official results:

    1. Sébastien Ogier (FRA)/Julien Ingrassia (FRA)Toyota Yaris WRC     2hr 47min 47.6sec
    2. Ott Tänak (EST)/Martin Järveoja (EST)          Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC2hr 48min 15.4sec
    3. Teemu Suninen (FIN)/Jarmo Lehtinen (FIN)                  Ford Fiesta WRC2hr 48min 25.5sec
    4. Elfyn Evans (GBR)/Scott Martin (GBR)     Toyota Yaris WRC          2hr 49min 01.0sec
    5. Kalle Rovanperä (FIN)/Jonne Halttunen (FIN)Toyota Yaris WRC2hr 50min 08.1sec
    6. Pontus Tidemand (SWE)/Patrick Barth (SWE)                 Škoda Fabia Evo2hr 58min 16.9sec
    7. Nicolay Gryazin (RUS)/Yaroslav Fedorov (RUS)Hyundai NG i20 3hr 00min 14.6sec
    8. Marco Bulacia (BOL)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA)                  Citroën C33hr 01min 25.1sec
    9. Gus Greensmith (GBR)/Elliott Edmondson (GBR)      Ford Fiesta WRC     3hr 01min 44.1sec
    10. Ole-Christian Veiby (NOR)/Jonas Andersson (SWE) Hyundai NG i203hr 03min 19.8sec
  • Ogier, Ingrassia in sight of sixth WRC crown; disaster stalks Gaurav Gill, squanders big lead

    Ogier, Ingrassia in sight of sixth WRC crown; disaster stalks Gaurav Gill, squanders big lead

    All about holding position for Sebastien Ogier. Photo: M-Sport

    Coffs Harbour, 17 November 2018: M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s three EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs have made it through the second day of competition at Kennards Hire Rally Australia – ready to play their part in an epic title fight that is set to go down to the wire. The FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers may be all but gone, but a sixth crown for Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia is within sight and the Cumbrian squad will be giving their all to defend their driver and co-driver titles tomorrow.

    Meanwhile, India’s Gaurav Gill (co-driver Glenn Maneall of Australia) of team MRF Tyres, driving the M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta R5 in the RC2 class, went off the road to squander his seemingly winning lead. Gill, leading overnight, increased his lead at the start of Saturday’s Stages, but in the day’s third test, he slid off the road which undid all the earlier good work. He eventually finished the day sixth Overall in the class after rejoining the Rally under the Super Rally format.

    Six is the magic number, and all Ogier needs to do is remain in sixth place with Thierry Neuville behind in the standings – do that and the crown belongs to Ogier once more; regardless of what fellow rival Ott Tänak can do at the head of the field or what either contender can muster in the Power Stage.

    Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “We are witnessing a truly golden age of rallying and it is fantastic to watch – albeit pretty nerve-wracking too! Whoever comes out on top tomorrow will be a deserving champion, and everyone in the service park can consider themselves winners for providing such a spectacular show.

    “It was a bit of a frustrating day with all three of our drivers clearing the loose gravel, but we saw some good times in the Super Specials and – most importantly – Sébastien and Julien are where they need to be to clinch the title. Anything can happen over the closing stages, but it’s looking good at the moment.”

    OGIER AND INGRASSIA SIXTH AFTER 18 STAGES

    Ogier and Ingrassia are doing exactly what they need to do. Having to contend with the worst of the road cleaning this weekend, it hasn’t been possible to fight for the victory –but that is not the main objective. The main objective is the defence of their championship, and they’re on course to achieve that through tomorrow’s closing stages.

    Ogier said: “The loose gravel has made it a difficult rally for us so far, but it’s been a positive day in terms of the championship and I’m very happy with that. First on the road yesterday was really tough. Fifth on the road today was a little bit better, but we still lost a lot of time compared to the guys starting further back. It was a bit frustrating sometimes, but the main target is the championship and scoring the points we need. That’s what we’re doing at the moment, but tomorrow’s final kilometres will feel pretty long and we’ll need to be focused.”

    EVANS AND BARRITT PLACED SEVENTH

    lfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt are the team players of the year and continue to aid Ogier and Ingrassia in their quest for a sixth FIA World Rally Championship title. Handing Ogier a more advantageous road position yesterday evening, Evans continued to push hard through today’s stages – keeping Neuville behind and showing his speed through both passes of Raleigh (SS12 and SS16).

    Evans said: “We all knew it would be difficult being early on the road today. The gravel was really loose and you could see how much it was cleaning and how much faster the road was getting with every car. Still, we delivered a clean and tidy drive and it was nice to show some speed through both passes of the Raleigh stage.”

    SUNINEN AND MARKKULA IN NINTH SPOT

    Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula are contesting Rally Australia for the first time this weekend and showed their potential with some quick times though yesterday’s stages. But the young Finn couldn’t find the same rhythm today and struggling to harness the same level of performance through the loose gravel. A quick learner, Suninen improved over the second pass and will be keen to further his experience tomorrow.

    Suninen said: “Today has been more difficult for me and I still have a lot to learn about how to drive in this loose gravel. I didn’t have the best rhythm, but we got a bit better in the afternoon and now there is just one more day to go.”

    OVERALL CLASSIFICATION

    1. Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja (Toyota Yaris WRC) 2:07:52.0
    2. Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila (Toyota Yaris WRC) +21.9
    3. Hayden Paddon / Sebastian Marshall (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +26.3
    4. Mads Østberg / Torstein Eriksen (Citroen C3 WRC) +46.6
    5. Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm (Toyota Yaris WRC) +50.4
    6. Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia (Ford Fiesta WRC) +1:44.8
    7. Elfyn Evans / Daniel Barritt (Ford Fiesta WRC) +2:04.6
    8. Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +2:35.2
    9. Teemu Suninen / Mikko Markkula (Ford Fiesta WRC) +2:49.0
    10. Craig Breen / Scott Martin (Citroen C3 WRC) +6:26.8
  • M-Sport, Seb Ogier gird up for a battle royal in Australia; WRC title battle poised on a knife edge

    M-Sport, Seb Ogier gird up for a battle royal in Australia; WRC title battle poised on a knife edge

    Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia seeking another WRC crown. Photo: M-Sport

    Cumbria, 10 November 2018: The FIA World Rally Championships are all to play for and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team will fight to defend their crowns at next week’s season finale – Kennards Hire Rally Australia. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are in prime position and hold a three-point advantage going into the title decider. The team also have a mathematical chance of defending their manufacturers’ title – albeit somewhat more challenging with a 25-point deficit overcome. The EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs are ready for the battles ahead, and the stage is set for a thrilling final showdown.

    Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “I can’t remember the last time we went into the final round with the championship as close as it is at the moment. This is rallying at its best and I’m excited to see how the action unfolds. Sébastien and Julien are in prime position – leading the standings by a slender three points but leading the standings nonetheless.

    “They know how to win championships and they know what it takes to win in Australia. The whole team are behind them, and we are determined to see them end their time with us in the best possible way. We also have a mathematical chance in the manufacturers’ championship. It’s a harder task for sure, but anything is possible and Elfyn and Teemu are both keen to play their part and deliver another strong result. I don’t think we’ve seen the end of the drama just yet, and rally fans are surely in for a treat whatever the outcome next week.”

    The stage is set and Rally Australia is ready to host the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship title decider. Nestled on the Gold Coast between Brisbane and Sydney, the coastal town of Coffs Harbour will provide a stunning backdrop for the most exciting finale in years!

    Dusty tracks are the order of the rally and the region’s shire roads are combined with those in the surrounding rainforest and bush. There are a number of new stages this year, but the route continues to offer a variety with a mix of tight, twisty sections and those more fast and flowing. When dry, the loose terrain presents some of the worst road cleaning of the year; and when wet, it becomes treacherously slippery.

    The three championship rivals will be watching the skies with intent over the next few days, but there is more than just the weather to contend with – many stages are lined by trees mere millimetres from the road and visibility can often be a challenge as the low sun creates a strobe effect through the trees.

    Needless to say, the eventual winner – and the eventual World Champion – will have faced the challenge head-on and come out on top as the best the rallying world has to offer!

    SEBASTIEN OGIER, JULIEN INGRASSIA POISED FOR WRC GLORY

    Sebastien Ogier….well-placed for WRC crown

    Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are on the verge of securing a sixth FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers and Co-Drivers – heading into the final round with a slender three-point lead at the head of the standings.

    Opening the road on Australia’s loose gravel is notoriously difficult, but they remain in prime position – leading the championship and thus putting the burden firmly on the shoulders of their rivals. Having won Rally Australia on three previous occasions, Ogier and Ingrassia know what it takes to tame the unique terrain and another win will see them retain their crown – regardless of what their opponents achieve in the rally or the Power Stage!

    Ogier said: “The Championship could not be closer and we head to the final round in Australia with a slender three-point lead at the head of the standings. It’s a very positive place to be compared to where we were when we were 23 points behind two rallies ago, and the pressure is now on our rivals to overhaul the deficit.

    “Of course we’re aware that opening the road will not be an easy task, but anything can happen and we are ready for the challenge. We’ve enjoyed a lot of success in Australia over the years and our goal is to add to that success next week.

    “We’re ready to do our best, ready to push for a sixth world title, and hopeful of ending what has been an enjoyable and rewarding two years with Malcolm and his team in the best possible way.”

    ELFYN EVANS, DANIEL BARRITT HOPE TO FINISH ON A HIGH

    File photo of Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt. Photo: M-Sport

    Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt will be looking to end their season on another high next week – aiming to fight for the top positions and secure their best result at Rally Australia.The British pairing have endured a tough season with their fair share of bad luck, but are determined to close the year on a positive and help the team secure the best possible result.

    Evans said: “I’ve always enjoyed Rally Australia and we’ll be aiming to bring our season to a close with another strong result next week. Following our podium in Spain, it would be great to end the year with another personal best in Australia.

    “There’s a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at this event and we’re made to feel welcome from the second we arrive in Coffs Harbour. But the event itself is a real challenge; and totally different from anything else we encounter throughout the year.

    “Visibility is often an issue and you have to have complete trust in your notes. Hanging dust isn’t uncommon and when the sun is low it can create a strobe effect through the trees which makes it difficult to read the road. The trees themselves also cast unfamiliar shadows and you really do need to be fully focused and concentrated throughout the weekend.

    “I can’t remember a more exciting time in the sport and I think everyone is excited to see what happens next week – ourselves included. We’re ready to give our best and will work hard to deliver the best possible result for the team.”

    TEEMU SUNINEN, MIKKO MARKKULA SET FOR DEBUT

    File photo of Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula. Photo: M-Sport

    Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula will make their Rally Australia debut next week, and the Finnish pairing will need to be fully focused from the word go if they are to compete on the same level as their rivals. Despite his inexperience, Suninen should never be discounted and the young Finn will be determined to end his season with a positive result for both himself and the team.

    Suninen said: “This will be my first time competing at Rally Australia, but my preparation is the same and I’ve been watching the videos to make sure we’re as prepared as we can be. I did the recce in 2016 but don’t have all the notes for this year’s stages. We’ll need to be concentrated on the recce to be ready to compete on the same level as everyone else.

    “As the last round of the season and with the championships being so close, this is also going to be a really interesting and exciting rally. Seb is still in with a strong chance of taking his sixth world title, and the team also have a chance in the manufacturers’ championship. I am ready to give everything in order to be a part of those fights and to end my season on a high.”

  • Wales Rally GB: M-Sport pair Ogier, Ingrassia eyeing a strong result on home turf

    Wales Rally GB: M-Sport pair Ogier, Ingrassia eyeing a strong result on home turf

    All WRC photos courtesy M-Sport

    Wales, 3 October 2018: Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are no strangers to the taste of champagne, and especially not in Wales where the World Rally Champions have four victories to their name. Currently locked in an intense three-way battle for a sixth World title, the M-Sport Ford Fiesta pairing will be looking to challenge for victory once again this weekend.

    M-Sport Ford’s fleet of EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRCs will be chasing a strong result when the FIA World Rally Championship ventures to the team’s home event this week.

    Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt know what it takes to tame the tricky Welsh stages and secured their maiden victory on home soil last year. The Brits will have home support on their side this week, and Evans even has a corner named after him on the Myherin stage! Keen to close the latter half of the season with some strong results, the British pairing will be ones to watch.

    Teemu Suninen and Mikko Markkula have come to prove that they cannot be discounted at any event. Wales Rally GB might be one of the most challenging events on the calendar, but the young Finn seems to thrive when the going gets tough. Having secured the WRC 2 victory on his first ever appearance in Wales, Suninen took an instant liking to the Welsh forests and could spring a surprise or two next week.

    Sébastien Ogier said: “Wales Rally GB is one of the classics and an event that everyone wants to win. The stages are steeped in motorsport history and the early starts and late finishes make it a true test of focus and endurance. Win in Wales, and you know that you have mastered the challenge.

    “It’s one of the most challenging rallies on the calendar and there is a real art to judging the grip through the forests. The demanding weather conditions can take a bit of getting used to, but we could see a dry rally this year which would be interesting for sure!

    “This time 12 months ago, the Welsh forests played host to an incredible story as we claimed all three championships with Malcolm and his team. The title fight could not be closer this year, but the team can rest assured that we will give our very best in pursuit of the strongest possible result to keep our championship hopes alive!”

    To best prepare for Wales Rally GB’s notoriously challenging stages, the team completed four days of testing – both at home in Cumbria as well as on-location in the Welsh forests. And with the event’s past five winners all behind the wheel of the Fiesta this week, the team have high hopes of once again challenging for victory.

    Last year’s victory was particularly special as the Welsh fixture played host to an incredible weekend for the Cumbrian squad who secured the win as well as the FIA World Rally Championships for Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-drivers.

    The Championships can’t be secured on Welsh soil this year, but the victory will be hotly contested and could well prove pivotal as the season draws to a close; and M-Sport Ford will be giving their all in pursuit of a repeat performance.

    Wales Rally GB is one of the classics – an iconic event that every rally driver wants to win. Steeped in motorsport history, the British round has it all and provides one of the biggest challenges of the year.

    Mud, rain, fog, even snow and ice – anything can be expected in Wales. Glorious sunshine could even be a possibility this year and the crews could face a dry Wales Rally GB for the first time in a number of years.

    Whatever the conditions this weekend, the challenge remains. Focus and endurance are key and the crews will be tested to the maximum. Make no mistake, a win in Wales will have been hard fought and that’s why every driver wants to add this one to their repertoire.

    Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “The competition could not be closer and we’ll be hoping for another strong result on home soil. Nothing will ever top last year when we secured all three titles as well as the rally win, but we are aiming to be in the fight for another victory this year.

    “Both Sébastien and Elfyn know what it takes to stand on the top step of the podium in Wales. Sébastien has won this event four times, and Elfyn not only grew up on these roads but also made history when he won the event last year – the first Welsh driver to ever do so at this level.

    “This will be Teemu’s first time here in a world rally car and there will be a lot to learn, but time after time he proves what a quick learner he is and I wouldn’t be surprised if he sprung another surprise or two this weekend.”

  • WRC 2019: Sebastien Ogier to return to Citroen along with co-driver Julien Ingrassia

    WRC 2019: Sebastien Ogier to return to Citroen along with co-driver Julien Ingrassia

    Ogier and Ingrassia….FIA World Rally Championship 2018 – WRC Monte Carlo (FRA). PHOTO: @World

    Paris, 29 September 2018: World rally champion Sébastien Ogier, along with co-driver Julien Ingrassia, will return to Citroën Racing next season after signing a two-year deal with the French manufacturer. He returns to the Satory-based team, with whom he spent the early days of his WRC career, after a two-year spell with M-Sport Ford.

    Friday afternoon’s announcement was not a surprise after it became apparent in recent weeks that the 34-year-old Frenchman was edging towards Citroën rather than extending his stay with the British squad.

    Ogier made it clear last month he would agree one final WRC contract before ending his stay in a championship he has dominated in recent seasons, but there is no confirmation of how long his contact is.

    Five consecutive World titles with Volkswagen Motorsport and M-Sport Ford have made him the WRC’s second most successful driver behind former Citroën team-mate Sébastien Loeb.

    Ogier said a key factor behind his switch was the desire to win the Championship with a third team, something only Juha Kankkunen has achieved.

    “There were various factors that influenced my decision. I really like the idea of working again with people with whom things went pretty well a few years back and I’m also excited by the chance to try and pull off the challenge of becoming World champion with a third different manufacturer,” he explained.

    “And although I’m not taking anything for granted, I am convinced the car has definite potential and I have great faith in the people at Satory.

    “I’m really enthusiastic about the prospect of taking on this new challenge with Citroën. In fact, I can’t wait, especially as I haven’t forgotten that this is the team that first gave me the opportunity to compete in the World Championship.”

    Ogier won the junior World title with Citroën in 2008 before making his first appearance at the top level later that season.

    He drove for Citroën’s second-string in 2009 and 2010, claiming his first WRC win in Portugal. He was promoted to the top team in the second half of 2010, but left after the 2011 season following increasing tension between himself, Loeb and management regarding team orders.

    M-Sport team celebrating the Monte Carlo triumph. Photo: M-Sport

    Ogier joined M-Sport Ford in 2017 after Volkswagen stepped back from the WRC. The switch from the well-funded German squad to Malcolm’s Wilson privately-run team took many by surprise.

    “When we decided to join M-Sport two years ago, many considered it a risk. I considered it a challenge, and together we achieved something extraordinary,” he said.

    “Malcolm and his team have such a passion for rallying, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for what has been an incredible two years together.

    “It’s now time for another new challenge, but first we will focus on bringing this special partnership to a close in the best possible way. The championship is still extremely close and we’ll keep fighting to keep our chances alive and keep pushing until the very end.”

    Citroën team principal Pierre Budar made clear his desire to resign Ogier in a bid to rejuvenate the team’s flagging fortunes following the mid-season departure of Kris Meeke.

    “I’m obviously delighted to welcome Sébastien and Julien back into the fold. The fact they are joining us is an incredible boost for the whole team. Everyone is going to be even more motivated than ever.

    “We’re already pulling out all the stops to make sure our second stint working together adds to our great history in the sport and showcases the Citroën brand. We feel good!” he said.

    Having secured victories in Monte-Carlo, Mexico and Corsica this year, Sébastien and Julien are also in with a strong chance of defending their titles and the entire team will continue to work their hardest to ensure this successful partnership comes to a close on another high.

    M-Sport Ford Press Release adds:

    Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said: “I would like to thank Sébastien and Julien for everything they have done for the team over the past two years. Their professionalism, attention to detail, determination and outright speed is something to be admired and we’re all very sorry to see them go.

    “I am immensely proud of everything we achieved together, and their time with the team is something that I think everyone will remember for a long time to come.

    “We wish them well with the next and final chapter of their careers, but there are still three events left to contest this year and the whole team will continue to give one hundred and ten percent in the defence of our championship titles.”

    Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsport, Mark Rushbrook, said: “All of us at Ford are sad to see Sébastien and Julien leave the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team at the end of the 2018 WRC season, but I would like to thank them personally for the great work they have done for us over the last two seasons with the team and to wish them both all the very best for the future.

    “We know we have a really strong package with the Ford Fiesta World Rally Car and all our efforts are focussed on the remaining three rallies as we try to replicate the success of 2017. We will work with our long term rally partners M-Sport on the 2019 driver line up and I am confident we will have a really strong package to continue to deliver the success that we aim for in all the motorsports activities we have around the World.”