Ogier: Full-time return not out of the question

Toyota’s eight-time world champion has shared a GR Yaris Rally1 with Esapekka Lappi this season and will look forward to more of the same next year.

Lappi won’t be back in a Yaris until Rally Sweden in February next season, with Ogier completing the final two rounds this year before starting 2023 at Rallye Monte-Carlo in January.

“Monte was not a difficult one to decide on,” said Ogier. “But for the rest of the events and the programme, we need to decide this. I’m really happy that Toyota continues to offer me the chance to compete on a part-programme like this – it’s something which works for both sides, I think.”

On the topic of a full-time return, Ogier added: “I won’t say that 100% I will never come back and compete again [full-time], but right now you know it’s the same like I have said for a long time. I love my family and my son and I want to spend time with them.”

Ogier admitted rallying would take precedent over any racing plans next season. He added: “I think for the racing, you need to do it full [time] or not. I would love to do Le Mans again, but it’s difficult to do it part-time.

"Let’s see what is happening in the future, but right now nothing has changed for me and my love for rallying. I am looking forward to returning to some of the rallies which I enjoy.”