Determined to challenge for victory from next year, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT is particularly pleased to announce that five-time world rally champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are to rejoin the team in 2019.
Ten years ago Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia had just become Junior World Rally Champions. At the 2008 Wales Rally GB they made a stunning debut in the C4 WRC, winning the opening test. The crew claimed their first WRC stage win in the process – and led the race until SS5.
It was in overalls with the famous chevrons that the Frenchmen claimed their first world title in the Junior class. They also scored their first WRC podium with Citroën (runners-up at the 2009 Acropolis Rally in the C4 WRC). The maiden overall win came at 2010 Rallye de Portugal in the C4 WRC. Ogier and Ingrassia joined Citroën’s works team (2010 Rally Finland). They made an active contribution to the manufacturers’ titles won in 2010 and 2011.
Now Citroën is aiming towards a bright future with a C3 WRC that has already claimed two overall wins and six podium finishes. Led by Pierre Budar, the team confirmed its determination by securing the services of the Ogier/Ingrassia crew. Sébastien is sure of the potential of the car and the determination of a team that he knows well. Now they are looking forward to adding to a joint record that already features seven overall wins.
Pierre Budar
“This excellent news is first and foremost about people embarking on a journey, a human adventure, united by the desire to write a new chapter together in our history. I’m obviously delighted to welcome Sébastien and Julien back into the fold! The fact they are joining us is an incredible boost for the whole team. Everyone is going to be even more motivated than ever. We’re already pulling out all the stops to make sure our second stint working together adds to our great history in the sport and showcases the Citroën brand. We feel good!”
Sebastien Ogier
“I’m really enthusiastic about the prospect of taking on this new challenge with Citroën. In fact, I can’t wait, especially as I haven’t forgotten that this is the team that first gave me the opportunity to compete in the world championship. There were various factors that influenced my decision. I really like the idea of working again with people with whom things went pretty well a few years back and I’m also excited by the chance to try and pull off the challenge of becoming world champion with a third different manufacturer. And although I’m not taking anything for granted, I am convinced that the car has definite potential and I have great faith in the people at Satory.”
A new adventure and a new exciting challenge await us in 2019 with @CitroenRacing. In the meantime, you can count on us to give everything during the last three rounds of 2018 and try to conclude our history with @MSportLtd in the best possible way! https://t.co/cnxVV29fzk
— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) September 28, 2018
