Ogier: I would not have won without Tanak's problem in Portugal

Sebastien Ogier says that it feels fantastic for winning again in Portugal, but is aware that he would not have won without Ott Tanak's problem.

The Frenchman stayed out of trouble throughout last weekend and won only three stages compared to Ott Tanak who won the most stages of Rally Portugal. Ogier climbed into the lead of Rally Portugal at the end of Stage 17 where power steering issues hit Tanak resulting in his losing the first place and many seconds there. On Sunday, Ogier was managing his lead and could not match Tanak's pace as the last one won five from six stages a day ago. Last but not least, it must be mentioned that Ogier won Rally Portugal for a seventh time in his WRC career and extended further his record.

"It feels fantastic to win again here in Portugal", Ogier said. 

"It’s been a very demanding and exhausting week but to get this win for the team and for ourselves is something that was really worth all the effort. 

"It was a tough fight with Ott and I don’t think we had the pure speed to win without his issue, but rallying is not only about being quick. 

"There were very rough conditions on the second pass of stages and with a strong car and a clever approach we were able to take the opportunity, so thank you to the team".

Photo Credits: Toyota