Monday | 26 Jan 2015

Ogier matches McRae win tally

Sébastien Ogier’s 25th career win at Rallye Monte-Carlo drew him level with 1995 world champion Colin McRae in the WRC’s victories table.

While McRae reached the landmark in his 123rd rally, Ogier got there in just 85. Only Sébastien Loeb (78), Marcus Grönholm (30) and Carlos Sainz (26) have won more.

“To be equal to Colin McRae in terms of victories means a lot to me because he is the idol, I’m sure, for many rally drivers and for so many kids who are playing on PlayStation,” said Ogier.

His measured drive after seeing off Sébastien Loeb’s early challenge delivered a debut victory for Volkswagen’s second generation Polo R World Rally Car and kick-started his campaign for a third world title.

“It means a lot to start the season with a victory because, of course, it’s what I want the most. When I rally it is to win. Last year we ended the season with victories and to start again with a victory is perfect,” he said.

Mixed conditions made tyre choice difficult, but such was Ogier’s command that he could afford not to take risks and make safe selections.

“It was a very tricky rally but that’s why you get more satisfaction when you make it. In the last years we have had a few Montes which were quite difficult. Everybody likes it being difficult but sometimes in the car we cannot say this until we are past it,” he added.

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