Eight-time world champion Sébastien Ogier was virtually unwillingly thrust into the title combat within the second half of this 12 months, having completed first or second on every of his first six outings of a part-time marketing campaign.
Changing into Toyota’s finest hope for a drivers’ title problem, Ogier ended up lacking solely three of the 13 rounds. However crashes on three consecutive occasions derailed his cost.
He completed with a high-quality drive in Japan that yielded second general (regardless of an early puncture) and a vital powerstage win that clinched the producers’ title for Toyota.
“I don’t know, it’s arduous to say,” mentioned Ogier when requested to charge his season. “I haven’t been good and I’d like to be good, however I consider no person is.
“I’m nonetheless chasing for it, however I feel there’s some ways to be happy in my season. Seven podiums in 10 races will not be unhealthy in any respect, I feel. Common factors scored per rally had been in all probability the very best.
“I’m fairly proud of the best way I improved the efficiency in the course of the finish of the 12 months, however I haven’t been good in these races, and it could have been required to be good if I needed to play for the championship doing a part-time championship [schedule], so no remorse on that.
“I loved it and it was a little bit of a paradox as a result of I had a lot enjoyable within the automotive on these 4 rallies however couldn’t win any of them, in order that’s the best way it goes typically.
“I don’t know – possibly a seven out of 10. It’s like my variety of podiums!”
When DirtFish prompt he deserved eight, Ogier responded: “I can’t put myself too excessive and I don’t like to do this anyway. I like that you just do that job.”
