WRC crews “less prepared than ever” for Monte Carlo

Sebastien Ogier believes crews will arrive at the World Rally Championship season opener “less prepared than ever” following the introduction of new tyres and hybrid-less cars for 2025.

Ogier is once again gearing up to start a partial WRC campaign with Toyota, beginning with this month’s season opener in Monte Carlo – an event he has won a record nine times. 

This week the eight-time world champion jumped behind the wheel of his GR Yaris for his one and only pre-event test day to prepare for the alpine asphalt event, which begins at the end of the month (23-26 January).

It marked only his second time driving a non-hybrid Rally1 car after a brief outing at December’s Monza Rally Show, following the FIA’s decision to abandon hybrid power for 2025 and 2026.

The test, which Ogier believes was one of the most important of his career, also coincided with his first running on the new control Hankook tyres that will make their debut this year.

Considering the changes facing the Rally1 field, Ogier believes the event could be decided by whoever adapts to the changes the quickest. 

“I think I say every year that Monte Carlo never gets any easier even after many, many starts and I always have massive respect starting this event. There is somehow this fear inside you as you know you are going to face conditions you don’t expect,” said Ogier.

“And with a lot of change with the tyres and the car this year, we probably arrive here less prepared than ever, but I believe it will be the case for almost everybody at the start. Whoever adapts the best will have a good chance.”

While changes to the Rally1 regulations for 2025 and a new tyre threatens to level the playing field to a degree, Ogier says his Monte Carlo experience could be crucial.

Ogier’s last triumph at the event arrived in 2023 prior to victories in 2009, 2014-2019 and 2021. The Frenchman finished second last season behind eventual world champion Thierry Neuville.

“At the end of the day it is a difficult rally where often drivers and experience can make some difference,” he added. 

“Of course, we still hope we can be competitive there and at the end, I always trust my feeling and that has never changed my whole career whatever situation I’m in, full-time or not. 

“I’m there to give my best. Let’s hope this connection with this…