Sébastien Ogier will not take part in the 2027 Rallye Monte Carlo, bringing an unexpected change to the opening round of next season’s World Rally Championship.
The nine-time World Rally Champion confirmed that he will skip the event, despite Monte Carlo being one of the most important rallies of his career. Ogier is the record holder for victories at the iconic event, having won it ten times.
The Frenchman explained that family commitments are the main reason behind his decision. His wife has an important professional commitment during that period, and after many years of supporting him throughout his rallying career, Ogier feels that it is now his turn to support her.
However, his absence from Monte Carlo could be part of a much more limited WRC programme in 2027. Ogier admitted that the possibility of chasing a full championship campaign is currently very unlikely, although he has not completely ruled out continuing his career.
The 2027 season will also mark a major change for the WRC, with the introduction of the new WRC27 regulations and the end of the current Rally1 era. The new-generation cars will be less powerful, something that could also influence Ogier's decision regarding his future.
Despite the uncertainty, Ogier has made it clear that he would like to remain connected with Toyota, the team with which he has spent the last six seasons.
"There are quite a few reasons, but the main one is family: my wife has an interesting and important job at this time of year", Οgier said to Canal Sport before the start of Rally Sardinia.
"She’s been there for the last fifteen or twenty years to support me when I was competing in races and the championship, so it’s my turn to return the favor this time.
"The probability of me embarking on a championship quest is very low at the moment.
"Let’s not kid ourselves: it’s true that motivation is, from time to time, increasingly difficult to find.
"But I don’t want to completely close the door, so I can’t tell you much more at the moment.
"The decision hasn’t really been made yet.
"I want to stay connected, in one way or another, with this fantastic Toyota team, with whom I’ve spent these last six seasons, more or less full, really great".
Photo Credits: Toyota
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