Ogier satisfied despite early exit

Sebastien Ogier still had reason to cheer when his final rally in a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 ended in retirement yesterday afternoon.

RallyRACC-Rally de Espana marked Ogier’s last appearance in the Fabia before he switches to Volkswagen Motorsport’s new-for-2013 Polo R WRC from next season.

He was in sixth overall when engine failure put him out as he neared Salou ahead of Friday night’s street stage in the town. Despite his exit, Ogier said he could look back on 2012 with considerable satisfaction.

“It was just a few kilometres to Salou,” said Ogier. “It’s strange and they have to analyse what happens. For sure I prefer to get the problem now than next year but it’s never good to finish like that especially because yesterday was a good day after a great afternoon. We were sixth overall and it was another interesting rally for us so it’s never good to end like that.”

Ogier has punched above his weight throughout the year in the Fabia, which is not as powerful as the pacesetting World Rally Cars. He is currently 10th in the drivers’ standings.

“I did a good season with the Skoda,” said Ogier. “We often pushed the limit and we had a good drive all the year. For sure it was better than staying at home because we learned more the stages of the world championship and I hope I am more mature as a driver.”

While Ogier was unable to restart following his exit on Friday, team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen is back in action after he retired striking a rock yesterday morning. The Norwegian is 29th overall after 10 stages.