Safari Rally: Ogier predicts a challenging race

Seven-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier who arrived in Kenya on Sunday, 20 June, night ahead of Safari Rally's return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) after a 19-year absence says this will be a different challenge from what the regulars in the WRC are used to. 

The French rally driver, competing for Toyota World Rally Team in the WRC alongside co-driver Julien Ingrassia has won the World Rally Drivers' Championship back to back 2013 to 2018 and again in 2020. He is the second most successful WRC driver, after former Citroën WRC teammate Sébastien Loeb who has nine title to his name. 

WRC champion set to rally in Kenya

"I am very excited to be here. Being my first time in Kenya and Africa it will be a new experience to us because we will learn a lot of things. I am excited that the roads are offering a different challenge from what we are used in Europe and also the nature. This will be a very exciting weekend,” Ogier said after landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

He continued, "I have had a look at the route but just a bit of it, the rest we have to learn during the recce. The notes are going to make a big difference but I can tell we won't be as fast as we are in other WRC events in Europe. The speed here will be a bit less. We also have to keep our eyes open and watch out for any hazards on the route."

The 37-year old father of one also confirmed that his decision to retire at the end of the season still stands irrespective of the results this season. 

"I am not interested in the statistics of how many Championships I have won. I know it makes for a good story and my fans and journalists would be happy but I made the plans to retire early and that is not going to change. For me family comes first and I am going to retire next year and enjoy watching my son grow," said Ogier adding that he was going to do what it takes to win this year's championship but it would also be the last season he would be in a full championship.

Sébastien Ogier arriving for recce at the Loldia stage

Ogier debuted in the WRC at the 2008 Rally Mexico, winning first in the JWRC class, and becoming the first JWRC driver to take a WRC point thanks to his eighth place overall finish. He won again in Jordan, after a four-minute loss due to mechanical failure, he stormed back, eventually taking the victory when the leader went off the road.