Ogier takes positives from Argentina mistake

Sebastien Ogier says the mistake that cost him victory on Rally Argentina last month will make him a better driver.

Ogier rolled on the opening stage on day three of the South American round and damaged his Citroen DS3 WRC to the extent he was unable to defend his commanding margin out front.

He starts the Acropolis Rally in third position in the WRC drivers’ table, 30 points adrift of title leader and Citroen team-mate Sebastien Loeb.

Speaking to Wrc.com during shakedown earlier today, the former Junior world champion said: “I know it was a stupid mistake but sometimes it’s like this. I did not see these rocks in the recce and I hit it. For sure it’s stupid because I didn’t push at this moment, I just had to finish the rally. It’s never easy and it’s never finished before the finish line. For sure I think about it after the rally but now it’s finished, I have learned and improved from this and now I am focussed on this rally.”

Despite slipping further behind Loeb in the battle for the 2011 title, Ogier said he had not given up hope of landing his first drivers’ crown this season.

“There are seven rallies to go this season and still everything is possible,” he said. “For sure I lost a good opportunity [in Argentina] to be very close and to be in a very comfortable position. I have 30 points less than Seb and it starts to be an important difference. He could have a problem during this second part of the season so I have to continue to drive.”

Ogier claimed the first podium finish of his WRC career the last time the Acropolis Rally ran in 2009. He said his return to the Loutraki-based event had brought back happy memories. “It’s nice to come back here because it was an important moment of my career,” said Ogier.