Ogier: 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 tires and hybrid-less cars for 2025.

Ogier is once again preparing to begin a partial WRC campaign with Toyota, starting 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 drove his GR Yaris for his only pre-event test day in preparation for the alpine asphalt event, which starts at the end of the month (23-26 January).

It was his second opportunity to drive a non-hybrid Rally1 car, following a brief outing at December’s Monza Rally Show, following the FIA’s decision to abandon hybrid power for 2025 and 2026.

This test, which Ogier believes was one of the most important tests of his career, also coincides with his first race on the new Controllable Hankook tyres, which will debut this year.

Considering the changes taking place in the Rally1 sector, Ogier believes the event will be decided by who adapts to the changes fastest.

“I think I say every year that Monte Carlo is never easy even after starting so many times and I always have a lot of respect for starting this event. You have this fear inside you because you Know that you will face situations that you do not expect,” Ogier said.

“And with a lot of changes to the tires and the car this year, we probably arrived here with less preparation than ever before, but I believe that will be the case for almost everyone at the start. “Whoever embraces the best will have a good chance.”

While Rally1 rule changes and a new tire for 2025 threaten to level the playing field somewhat, Ogier says his Monte Carlo experience could be crucial.

Ogier’s last win at the event came in 2009, before wins in 2014–2019 and 2021 in 2023. The Frenchman had finished second to the eventual world champions last season. Thierry Neuville,

“After all it is a tough rally where often drivers and experience can make some difference,” he said.

“Of course, we still hope we can be competitive out there and at the end of the day, I always trust my gut and that’s never changed throughout my career, no matter what position I’m in, full-time Or not.

“I am there to give my best. Hopefully this connection with this rally will help me feel better.