Sebastien Ogier to compete at Rally Estonia as new era of cars concludes

Eight-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner Sebastien Ogier is set to compete in the upcoming WRC Rally Estonia, the ninth event of the season. The rally, scheduled from July 16-19, has attracted 53 crews, including the formidable French driver and his co-driver Vincent Landais. This marks Ogier's return to the Estonian stages after a five-year hiatus.

"I am excited to compete at Rally Estonia again after five years. The Estonian gravel stages are truly fast, it is enjoyable to drive on such satisfying roads with these cars, and it is a special feeling," Ogier stated. He added, "I am sure it will not be easy to find the limits on these stages again, but that is the kind of challenge I like. I know how much passion there is for rallying in Estonia and that there is a fantastic atmosphere around the event, so I am looking forward to it."

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I am excited to compete at Rally Estonia again after five years. The Estonian gravel stages are truly fast, it is enjoyable to drive on such satisfying roads with these cars, and it is a special feeling.

This year's Rally Estonia is particularly significant as it will be the final WRC event featuring the current Rally1 cars before new technical regulations are introduced next year. A total of 11 Rally1 cars will be on the starting line, with Toyota Gazoo Racing fielding five entries. Alongside championship leaders Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin, the team includes Takamoto Katsuta and Aaron Johnston, last year's Rally Estonia winners Oliver Solberg and Elliott Edmondson, Sami Pajari and Marko Salminen, and the reigning world champions Ogier and Landais.

Hyundai Motorsport will enter three Rally1 cars, with Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, and Esapekka Lappi and Enni Mälkönen. M-Sport World Rally Team will also field three Rally1 cars. In the Rally2 category, 28 crews will compete, including eight Estonian pairings. Among the strong international contenders in Rally2 are Sweden winners Roope Korhonen and Anssi Viinikka, and Portugal winners Teemu Suninen and Janni Hussi.

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I am sure it will not be easy to find the limits on these stages again, but that is the kind of challenge I like. I know how much passion there is for rallying in Estonia and that there is a fantastic atmosphere around the event, so I am looking forward to it.