Ogier has eyes on the skies for Central European Rally debut

Ogier, who drives part-time for title-winning manufacturer Toyota Gazoo Racing, has won on three of his six FIA World Rally Championship starts so far this season.

Next week’s Central European Rally, a brand-new fixture for 2023, offers the Frenchman an opportunity to conquer new territories. But the chances of that, according to Ogier, very much depend on the weather.

Starting fifth on the road, Ogier is hoping for dry conditions and as clean a road as possible on the four-day fixture which sweeps across Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

“I’m not so sure with the Central European Rally,” Ogier said, “as my starting position might not be optimum for this one. It will probably depend on the weather and, if it’s dry, we can probably fight for the top position. If it’s more tricky and more rainy conditions, that can be quite challenging after a few cars.

“I always start every rally aiming as big as possible, and we will see what’s possible. It’s a completely new rally and it’s hard to know what to expect, but that’s also what rally is [about]; adapting to new situations.”

Toyota is yet to confirm its driver line-up for 2024 although Ogier, when asked about his plans, suggested he would be happy to continue with the team on a part-time basis.

“If I can continue like this, I think I will be happy,” he admitted. “That’s more or less the plan, and I think it’s kind of a good situation for both the team and me. I’m still able to bring some good results and I’m having fun doing it, so I don’t see any reason to not continue like this."