Video: Ogier’s commitment in the snow at Monte-Carlo is incredible

20th January 2023

Ethan Jupp

Just when we thought the era of dominance overseen by Sébastien Loeb might be coming to an end, the baton of all-conquering rally driver was passed on to another Sébastien: Ogier. Indeed, 17 of the past 19 WRC titles have been won by a man named Sébastien. Only Ott Tänak in 2019, and Kalle Rovanperä last year, have deprived Ogier of championship status in the past ten years, and it still feels like only yesterday that Ogier’s Volkswagen-powered dominance was at its height. If we’re judging early form in this season’s Rally Monte-Carlo, Loeb’s record of nine wins remains under threat, should Ogier decide to return to a full season schedule.

But let’s take a journey back to 2014, when Ogier was merely a defending champion, looking to do the double, absolutely slaying his way down Stage Four of Rally Monte-Carlo. With Ogier it’s less a ballet and more the precision application of a scalpel. The low grip ice and snow ‘La Glace’ conditions do little to slow Ogier’s progress, as he dances the Polo R WRC down the stage. Little did he know it at the time but he was right at the beginning of a ten-year period in rallying that would largely belong to him.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the previous video: Hyundai’s first rally car sounds like a warzone

Main image courtesy of Motorsport Images.