15 Jan 13

Cautious Ogier
targets safe
finish on
Polo debut

Sebastien Ogier believes guiding the new Volkswagen Polo R WRC to the finish of its debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo is more important than chasing victory.

The Frenchman, who was sixth fastest in this morning’s snowy shakedown for the opening round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship, admitted that he really doesn’t know what to expect when the four-day rally starts tomorrow.

“Really, we don’t know,” said the 29-year-old. “This morning we didn’t learn anything, the conditions were changing all the time. It’s too early to talk about victory but we will do our best.

“Last year I pushed as hard as possible to see what is possible and we are interested to see the times. But I really need to finish this event. The team needs me to finish and it’s going to be difficult with these conditions,” he added.

Ogier also made clear that battling with former Citroën team-mate Sébastien Loeb was not a priority. The two drivers enjoyed some fierce battles in 2011 but with Loeb due to start just four rallies this season, Ogier does not want to become side-tracked from his goals.

“It would have been great to fight like two years ago, but it’s not like this, as he’s driving for a few events only. We won’t have to focus about him. We want to fight for the victories and the championship. At the moment I don’t know about my car, I just want to focus on my race and not anybody else,” he explained.