Sebastian Ogier expects to test with rival teams next week as he looks to secure his World Rally Championship future following Volkswagen’s sudden departure.
The four-time world champion is now a key player in the driver market after the German manufacturer announced a shock exit from the sport earlier this month.
Ogier has already been linked with a move to Malcolm Wilson’s M-Sport Ford outfit and a return to the factory Citroen squad which will rejoin the championship full-time next year.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Rally Australia, Ogier, who has won all of his world titles with Volkswagen, confirmed he is in talks with two teams regarding next season.
The 32-year-old Frenchman is confident an agreement can be reached with current employers Volkswagen to allow him to test other vehicles once he returns to Europe.
“It is no secret that I’m having talks with a couple of teams and I think the next step is to meet them and have a bit more of clue what their plans are for the future,” said Ogier, who topped today’s shakedown.
“I like to judge before I sign with anyone so that is my next step and I also want to try the car.
“I hope to be able to test next week. This needs to be agreed but I think we (myself and Volkswagen) are both willing to come to an agreement as soon as possible so I can work on my future.
“I hope when I come back to Europe we can work on this new project because there are only a few weeks before Rally Monte Carlo.
“I hope that very soon I will be able to take my decision. I’m lucky that a couple of teams are willing to work with me.
“It is not a comfortable situation but at least I have some options.
“I’m always looking for competition and to be competitive so the main thing is to drive for a competitive team and car to continue what we have done over the last few years.”
Volkswagen’s exit has also left Ogier’s team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen without drives for 2017.
Latvala is reportedly involved in talks with M-Sport and Japanese marque Toyota, who will return to the WRC scene next season after a 17-year absence.
The Tommi Makinen-led Toyota squad has already confirmed Juho Hanninen for next season with fellow Finn Esapekka Lappi tipped to land a drive.
Mikkelsen’s future is less clear with the Norwegian admitting he is waiting to see what seats are available once Ogier makes his 2017 move.
“I’m lucky to have good management and they dealing with the situation,” said Mikkelsen.
“Obviously it is not ideal being so late in the season and lot of the seats are taken.
“I think it is the same story for me and Jari-Matti, we will just have to see what Seb does and see what’s left.”
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