Ogier after ninth World Cup: ‘Let’s hope we get all the support we need for a better 2026’

french pilot Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) celebrated winning his ninth World Rally Championship (WRC) title this Saturday. He had just a four-point advantage in the overall standings over fellow Briton Elfyn Evans, praising their rivalry, saying: “There are only great champions when there are great opponents.”

“What a great season! Honestly, what a battle it was with Elfin and Scott!” There can only be great champions if there are great opponents. They were very strong and pushed us to the limit until the last moments of the year.. Congratulations to them and the entire Toyota Gazoo Racing team. It was a season full of success. I’m proud and very happy to be part of this family,” Ogier said of his rival and co-pilot Scott Martin.

The French player made the comments at the end of the final round of the World Cup in Saudi Arabia this Saturday. As a result, he finished third behind Belgium’s Thierry Neuville (Hyundai).handing over the world championship baton to him and his compatriot Adrian Formeau (Hyundai).

For the 41-year-old Ogier, his 13-point lead over Evans in the overall standings over the last two races gives his title even more value. “It’s been a very tough season, but it’s definitely a great feeling to end it with an unexpected win.”

Asked about the challenge of winning a 10th title next season, one more than compatriot Sébastien Loeb, to become the greatest driver of all time, the former Gap driver said: “It’s a difficult challenge, but we will keep fighting. I hope you get all the support you need so that next year will be even better”.

”I have a lot of work ahead of me, so I have a lot of work ahead of me in the coming weeks. We need to prepare better for next year,” Ogier added.

The next World Cup will begin in 2020 Monte Carlo (Monaco) on January 22nd.