Impressive Porsche debut for Sébastien Ogier in Monaco

Not only is he quick on the gravel roads of this world, but also on the racetrack: Volkswagen Rally driver Sébastien Ogier thrilled the crowds with a fine performance on his guest appearance in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco. The Frenchman, who leads the FIA World Rally Championship, finished an impressive 13th out of 26 on his racetrack debut. The race, which formed part of the Formula One weekend, was won by Sean Edwards (both “Team Allyouneed Project 1”). Record World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb was also in action, coming home 16th
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“Driving in the Porsche Supercup here in Monaco was a fantastic experience! I am very grateful that I was able to fulfil this dream, thanks to the support of Porsche, TAG Heuer and Volkswagen. It was very special for me to experience Monaco from a non-rallying perspective,” said a beaming Ogier. “Congratulations to Sean Edwards, who drove a sensational race and have me some valuable tips beforehand. I had a good race and was able to make up a place shortly after the start. My best lap times were not far off those of Sean. Not bad really, when you consider that I only had half a day to practice in the Porsche. I tried to fight my way through the field, but it is really almost impossible to overtake in Monaco. I am very happy now, and looking forward to the Rally Greece.”

And Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito was also impressed by his ace rally driver: “Sébastien performed brilliantly, especially given his lack of experience on a racetrack. That just goes to show his driving class and I would like to compliment him on his race.”

Ogier had already impressed in free practice, when he spent long periods in the top three. The Frenchman then started the race from a respectable 14th on the grid – ahead of not only Sébastien Loeb, but also renowned racing drivers like Alain Menu and Sebastian Bleekemolen. Prior to the race, last year’s winner Sean Edwards offered Ogier some tips on how best to tackle the concrete jungle of Monte Carlo. And it would appear that “Super Séb” took the advice on board and put it into practice. And the tips given by Sebastian Vettel when chatting to rally specialist Ogier at a meeting of the two “Sebs” will certainly have done no harm. The three-time Formula One World Champion, an enthusiastic rally fan, introduced Ogier to his Formula One car and gave him a driver’s perspective by allowing him to sit in the cockpit. Another highlight of the event was Ogier’s meeting with US actress Cameron Diaz who was also in attendance.

As of Monday, Ogier will be back on gravel instead of tarmac, and at the wheel of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC rather than the Porsche 911 GT3, as the Volkswagen WRC Team heads to Greece to prepare for the Acropolis Rally (31st May to 2nd June).