Photography by Toyota
Words by Luke Barry, David Evans & Colin Clark
Four years ago, Sébastien Ogier stood atop his Toyota with the world again at his feet.
An eighth world title had been delivered – but that would be it. Number nine would never come.
So why, in 2025, is the Toyota driver gunning for a world title again?
“One word would be pleasure: the pleasure of driving those cars to the limit,” Ogier told Club DirtFish.
“I’ve tried circuit racing and it’s nice, it was a new challenge and something fresh, but the adrenalin in the cockpit of a rally car on a rally stage is unbeatable. I’ve not found anything else [as good] so far.
“That’s the main drive to still be here – having the chance to have a fantastic team around to give me this unique opportunity to drive a bit on demand. The calendar, I can adapt to my new wishes in life, which are also to spend more time at home, and now I just find the best combination.
Ogier has found renewed motivation for rallying by stepping back (somewhat!)
“At the end of 2021 I was really happy with what I had achieved, but probably I was a bit tired also and I needed to have a bit of a break from full-time racing at least.
“Probably at that point I was not enjoying as much as I should do anymore going to rally, and doing a few less these days actually boosts my motivation and now I enjoy again more when I jump in this car. I think that’s also the key to deliver the performance I am delivering at the moment.”
In an insightful and exclusive interview – available now on Club DirtFish – Ogier reflects on why he migrated back to rallying after a brief stint in endurance racing, how his humble beginnings have stayed with him despite all the fame and success, his improved temperament over the years and that famous friction with Sébastien Loeb at Citroën.
“What makes me happy is not to be a superstar or be in any magazine or whatever, but over all these years I’ve earned a lot of respect in the service park from the people who really know what I have achieved,” Ogier concluded.
“All of these wins with all of these different people in different environments, I’ve earned respect from the motorsport community – especially the rally one – and that’s what I appreciate the most.”
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Club DirtFish, Sébastien Ogier, WRC, WRC 2025
Publish Date September 8, 2025 DirtFish
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