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Sébastien Ogier (r.) With his co-driver Julien Ingrassia
Photo:
MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP
Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia became world rally champion for the seventh time.
The 36-year-old Toyota driver Ogier won the seventh and final round of the World Championship in Monza, Italy, overtaking British brand colleague Elfyn Evans in the overall standings.
After Volkswagen and M-Sport, Toyota is already the third manufacturer with which the French duo become world champions.
In Monza, mud sloshed over the hood several times, so that Ogier and Ingrassia had to drive for a few meters without a clear view.
Ogier nevertheless crossed the finish line with a lead of 13.9 seconds over the previously reigning world champion Ott Tänak.
Ogier's cheers were muted.
He briefly jumped on the roof of his car after the win and hugged Ingrassia for a moment.
"Lots of people in the world have suffered, so I don't want to hop around here," said Ogier.
The World Cup run took place in Lombardy, which was badly hit by Covid-19.
Elfyn Evans slipped
The tragic figure was his competitor Evans.
The Toyota driver arrived 14 points ahead of team-mate Ogier as world championship leader and was firmly on course for the title until half-time before he lost his footing on fresh snow and slipped off the track.
The 2021 World Rally Championship is to open from January 21 to 24 with the Monte-Carlo Rally, if the corona crisis allows.
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