Ogier tips Mikkelsen for success in Sardinia

Sébastien Ogier has tipped Andreas Mikkelsen as an outsider for victory on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna.

Ogier believes the young Norwegian – who starts his seven-event IRC programme on the Italian island – will be hard to beat due to his road position.

Mikkelsen, at the wheel of an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000, will start Saturday’s first six stages in 12th on the road by which time they will have been swept clear of the loose surface gravel.

“It is possible that Mikkelsen can be leading at the end of Saturday so will start in tenth place on Sunday and from there it is possible he can win,” said Ogier, who will drive a Peugeot Sport Italia 207 S2000.

Ogier, meanwhile, will be face the prospect of starting first on the road on Saturday. He said: “First on the road will be a disadvantage, this is clear, but I trust try to do my best for Peugeot.”