Racing greats Loeb and Ogier expected at 2022 Safari Rally

Rally greats Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier are likely to go against each other at the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally set for 23 to 26 June 2022. 

M-Sport is working towards a further four outings with Loeb, with Ogier’s employer Toyota hoping to keep him in the seat for another four 2022 rounds as well.

Ogier, who won last year’s world championship return to Africa, says it is a rally he is considering in his small championship campaign of four or five rallies.

“I really enjoyed the rally last year with the nature and the people and the welcome we got. There is such enthusiasm for the rally. I have nothing to confirm, but this is one I consider, definitely," said Ogier 

Loeb missed last year’s African adventure, but he was part of the action the last time WRC was in Kenya in 2002.

“I have incredible memories from 2002,” said the Monte winner, who finished fifth in Kenya 20 years ago. “It was incredible. The design was completely different from the other rallies. The animals and everything, the place is amazing. You see things you never see anywhere else. It was good to be there and I think it’s good for the championship to have Safari Rally.”

Neither driver is competing in Sweden or Croatia, but Ogier added that Portugal is also an option for him.

“This one is always on my mind,” said Ogier, who scored his maiden WRC win there. “I always have special relations with Portugal, so yeah, I can say this is on a potential list for me.”

M-Sport already has its number in mind for how many rounds it’ll run Loeb this year: five, Monte Carlo included. Kenya is now looking like a strong possibility for event number two. 

@Dirtfish