Rally France: Sebastien Ogier overjoyed with first WRC crown
Newly crowned world rally champion Sebastien Ogier says he wants to 'give the world a hug' after his dream came true in Strasbourg tonight
The Volkswagen driver secured his first world title on the opening stage of Rallye de France and was immediately mobbed by his team-mates and congratulated by outgoing champion Sebastien Loeb.
"I am absolutely overjoyed," said Ogier. "I could give everyone in the world a big hug. The feeling is impossible to describe. To have won the world championship in France is an absolute dream come true.
"For the last few days I have been trying not to think too much about it, in order to avoid making any mistakes. The relief now is immense.
"As a little boy, I used to marvel at the cars and top drivers at Rallye Monte-Carlo with my father in my home town of Gap - and now Julien and I are world rally champions. It is crazy."
Ogier paid tribute to the Hannover-based team which celebrates winning a drivers' title in its first full season at the sport's highest level.
Ogier added: "This success would never have been possible without our fantastic team at Volkswagen. Whether trucker, mechanic or race engineer, I have to thank everyone. One thing is for sure - we will celebrate in style now!"
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
The outrageous mountain-climbers that became Pikes Peak legends
Ranking lost WRC legend Richard Burns' 10 best rallies
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
Toyota selects Ogier for WRC’s visit to Croatia
Ogier proud of WRC Monte display after "rollercoaster of emotions"
Why Loeb v Ogier duel gave the WRC's new hybrid era the ideal start
How real-time scrutineering ensures fair and consistent competition in motorsport
How MotoGP brakes work: Secrets of stopping a 220mph bike
Hyundai enacts contingency plan after WRC Kenya fuel issue
Vanwall working on 2025 WEC comeback with heavily-revised Hypercar
How Rovanpera showed his class above his WRC rivals in Kenya
How a new 'old' challenge is capturing the spirit of British rallying lore
How Lappi survived Swedish snow carnage to snap his lengthy WRC drought
The new WRC highs Neuville reached to defeat Monte master Ogier
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments