Compliments aplenty for rising star Ogier

Sebastien Ogier has been described as a "super talent" by Petter Solberg, the man who he beat into second place on Rally Japan today.

Ogier, who was competing in Japan for the first time and admitted afterwards that he did not expect to win, started the final day of the gravel event 5.4 seconds behind Solberg in third position overall.

However, despite his lack of experience of the challenging Hokkaido stages, he took first place on the second stage of the day after going fastest overall through the fearsome 17.86-kilometre Naekawa test. He maintained his advantage to the finish for his second WRC career victory.

“He did a good, good rally,” said Solberg. “It was nothing over the top but he’s a super talent. People who are so good only come along once in a while. As long as he keeps his feet on the floor and has respect for other people then he will be very, very good in the future.”

Sven Smeets, team manager of the factory Citroen squad, said Ogier’s drive was further evidence of his young charge’s ability behind the wheel.

“He said himself he has problems on rough rallies like this so he came to learn more and secure the points for Citroen,” said Smeets. “He kept up the pace on the stages on Friday and Saturday and today, where the stages were new for everybody, he has done an incredible rally. It was a very good performance and I hope this means there is a bright future for him. He will be with us in our team for a few more years so I hope he continues to still do what he is doing now.”