Q&A with Sébastien Ogier

Here’s what Sebastien Ogier had say after victory at Wales Rally GB - the ninth win of his remarkable debut season with Volkswagen.

Q: Sebastien, a great end to the season; the championship title, your team scoop the manufacturers crown and you take the final win and your first win at Wales Rally GB. Rounds off the year nicely?

“I think it was here four days ago that I said this result would be the perfect end. But I was a little cautious, I have never been so successful on this rally in the past. In the past I showed some speed but made some mistakes. I was careful at the start, but after a fantastic season I approached this rally with a lot of confidence and the pre-event test was really good. I knew it would be possible to do something good.

“We had a great start and then after that I wanted to control the lead. But at the same time, I don’t say it was easy. Jari-Matti was always close and I knew this was one of his best rallies and keeping him behind was not easy. We did a good rally and this is the ninth win. I am more than happy with this.”

Q: Were there any moments or mistakes?

“There was a moment where Evgeny [Novikov] went off. On the first loop the marshal slowed me down, but I confirmed this was the tricky place on the second loop. I braked a little late but I didn’t register on the first loop that this was so slippery braking, but I stayed on the road. Other than that the car worked well and everything went well. When you are in this position you can afford to back off a little. I knew I had to be concentrated and careful – I had bad memories from this rally.”

Q: By Sunday’ stages were you confident that you had done enough?

“At the start of the day, we showed him [Jari-Matti Latvala] it would be hard to come back. After the 22 kilometre stage we knew there was a 20 second gap, I relaxed after this one was done.”

Q: Do you get a holiday now?

“Not immediately no. I start to really need it, though. This year was like a dream, and I have got a real passion to get the trophy in Monte Carlo, but we already have testing for next year and then I go to Bangkok for the Race of Champions. It’s a busy time for me. But on December 20 I am on holiday for two weeks. Then I want to come back to Monte Carlo Rally in my hometown, refreshed and ready.”