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OGIER DEFERS RETIREMENT

Sebastien Ogier defers retirement - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Date posted: 21 November 2020

Sebastien Ogier defers retirement - Photo: LAT

Sebastien Ogier defers retirement – Photo: LAT

Six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier has deferred his plans to retire at the end of the current WRC season.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

The Frenchman has extended his tenure with Toyota for a second season in order to complete a proper farewell tour as he looks at the possibility of adding a seventh title to his record at next months ACI Rally Monza that will act as this years WRC finale.

Ogier previously announced he would retire from the WRC at the end of 2020 after a single season with Toyota. However, with COVID-19 truncating this years campaign, he’s has decided to do one more season to complete a proper send-off and signed with the Japanese manufacturer for a further year.

“We have had a short season with only a few rallies, but enough for me to see that I really enjoy working with the team, I enjoy driving this car,” said Ogier.

“It was not my initial plan but I think this year has been very particular for everybody on this planet, and the fact that I had to spend like most people a lot of time at home this year, I didn’t do the last season that I had expected to do and to end my career with such a strange season was not great.

“So, for sure, that was one of the reasons to change my mind about my retirement. The plan is to keep pushing in 2021 and hopefully have a better, normal season and try to push for a last title.”

Ogier joined Toyota Gazoo Racing after a disappointing campaign with Citroen Racing in 2019.

The Frenchman currently sits 14 points behind teammate Elfyn Evans in this years WRC title fight with one round remaining.

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.

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