Volkswagen Motorsport chief Jost Capito has released Sebastien Ogier to launch maximum attack in the French rally next month.
With Ogier needing a mere single point to be assured of the World Rally Championship, Capito has given his approval for the French driver to release the shackles in his home rally.
The event from October 3-6 will also mark the return of nine-times WRC champion and Ogier’s countryman Sebastien Loeb.
Winning at the Alsace event for Ogier would not only net him his first WRC crown but validate his standing as a fitting successor to Loeb who started his unbeaten run in the championship in 2004.
“For Volkswagen it is very important to win the manufacturer’s championship,” Capito began.
“Now we have moved further ahead of Citroen in that fight and it allows Seb to really fight in France.
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“If the gap had been smaller we might have had a tough job in France but now with having this lead I think we are okay with him to really go for it.”
Ogier, who emphatically won Rally Australia at Coffs Harbour, is delighted that he has approval to not hold back, saying he is more than happy to launch a concerted assault at his home rally.
“My next target is to win the French rally and Seb (Loeb) is coming back and of course we know that he will be on the pace and it will be an exciting weekend.”
