COFFS HARBOUR, Australia (AFP) – Dominant Frenchman Sebastien Ogier clinched his sixth world rally title Sunday in a gripping final race of the year at Australia, denying Belgian Thierry Neuville and Estonia’s Ott Tanak maiden crowns.
In one of the closest seasons of recent times, the M-Sport Ford driver came into the race with a three-point cushion over Hyundai’s Neuville and 23 in front of Toyota ace Tanak.
All he needed to do was stay ahead of the Belgian and in touch with Tanak over the three days of frantic driving over the dusty and slippery roads around Coffs Harbour.
The experienced campaigner and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia did just that, getting an early edge when Neuville lost 40 seconds on day one when he blew a tyre.
And when both Neuville and Tanak clipped trees and were forced to retire as they took risks in a desperate bid to make up time in the final stages on Sunday afternoon, the title was his before the rally finished.
Ogier admitted he drove some of the stages Sunday ‘‘like my grandma would do’’, knowing any mistakes could be costly.
‘‘It was so difficult, I thought the last kilometres would be drier but some super slippy sections in there. Not a relaxing Sunday drive for sure,’’ he said.
