Sebastien Ogier has had a mixed season in the World Rally Championship, with blistering pace being held back by two consecutive point-less rounds.
The Frenchman has undertaken a partial campaign, making any ambitions of challenging for the championship difficult.
Ogier missed two events earlier this season at Rally Sweden and the Safari Rally in Kenya which halted his title challenge.
After taking two wins for Toyota, he didn’t compete at Rally Poland but returned in Latvia. Ogier competed at the front but didn’t score in Greece and last time out at Rally Chile.
Eyvind Brynildsen explained when commentating on the shakedown at the Central European Rally that Ogier will have other priorities than the Drivers’ Championship.
Sebastien Ogier may be more focused on the Manufacturers’ Championship for Toyota
Thierry Neuville is in control of the WRC title battle and can wrap up the championship this weekend at the Central European Rally.
Ogier has a slim chance to win the championship but needs some luck to intervene in the closing two rounds of the season.
The Manufacturers’ Championship is more open as Hyundai holds a 17-point lead over Toyota ahead of the final two rounds.
Brynildsen explained that Ogier’s focus may be on the Manufacturer’s Championship as Toyota are battling Hyundai.
He said: “He said before the rally that he’s not giving up, but it’s difficult now and he’s more maybe focusing on the manufacturer Championship.
“But Sebastien Ogier, he’s very fast and clever. I think it’s all about for Seb as well just to be doing his own rally and try to win the rally and see if he can put some pressure on them during the weekend.”
Sebastien Ogier has been very successful with Toyota over his career
Ogier has been driving brilliantly for Toyota since joining the Japanese manufacturer in 2020, winning the World Rally Championship in his first season with the team.
The Frenchman repeated the success a year later, taking his eighth championship during a very succesful career.
If Toyota were able to overhaul their rival Hyundai, it would be a statement to end the season, coming out on top in a very difficult championship.
Ogier also has plans to race in DTM and experience circuit driving away from rallying, but for now he is fully focused on finishing the WRC season.