The opportunity was beautiful.
SĂ©bastien Ogier, who had the possibility of winning his 8th world champion title, however let it pass.
The French driver finished 4th in the Rally of Catalonia / Spain, won this Sunday by the Belgian Thierry Neuville.
The grand final will be played from November 19 to 21 in Monza, against Elfyn Evans, her only rival.
Only the Welshman, 2nd on the Catalan asphalt roads, can indeed still deprive Ogier of an 8th title, having reduced his delay by seven units to maintain the suspense until the end.
The lead (17 points) of the seven-time French world champion remains comfortable despite this disappointment, while he was aiming for victory.
🇫🇷 Ogier will still have to wait before his eighth world title https://t.co/SEJomYr9HJ
- Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) October 17, 2021
“Of course when I got here I was aiming for better.
But despite this complicated weekend, we did what was necessary for the championship, ”breathed the Toyota driver at the finish line, after a morning rich in emotions which saw the Spaniard Dani Sordo dominate in his Hyundai. the last specials.
Monza will also be the last of his co-pilot
Monza's ordeal will also mark the end of an era for Ogier.
He has indeed decided to move away from the discipline and will only take part in a few rallies next year, starting with Monte-Carlo in January.
Without the possibility of equaling the record of nine world titles held by another Frenchman, SĂ©bastien Loeb.
The next event at Monza will also be the last rally for his faithful co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who will not be accompanying him next year and will want to conclude their rich collaboration with an 8th coronation.
