Ogier frustrated to be playing supporting role

Sebastien Ogier will assist Sebastien Loeb’s challenge for an eighth World Rally Championship crown in Spain but admits he’s frustrated that he can’t fight for the title himself.

Ogier is three points behind his Citroen team-mate with two events remaining. However, with the French make publicly stating it will back Loeb’s title bid, Ogier will be forced to take on a supporting role on RallyRACC-Rally de Espana.

“My team decide to give more support and to help and protect Seb, that’s how it is,” said Ogier, a winner of five WRC events this season. “Of course it’s not the dream position for any driver but when you are driving for a factory team it can happen.”

Despite accepting he will ultimately have to cede position to Loeb in the event he gets in front of his fellow Frenchman, Ogier has vowed to push on the gravel and asphalt stages that make up Friday’s action.

“I try to start with a good speed and if I can take the lead I will try and if I have to help my team-mate I will do it but we’re at the start of the rally and no one knows what can happen,” said Ogier. “There are a lot of drivers who can fight for the victory with the gravel. I just try to start with the best speed possible and see what happens.”