Set to meet with Citroën management on Wednesday, Sebastien Ogier will certainly get an earful following his statements during the German rally. The exchange might even persuade him to look for another team in 2012...
Last weekend, at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, the young French driver openly accused Sebastian Loeb – who was leading the race at that point – of asking the team to lock the driver order at the end of Day 1. Ogier eventually regained the lead after his teammate had a flat tire.
There's a definite malaise brewing at Citroën Racing. Promoted to the official team at the start of this season (he competed in the WRC for Citroën's Junior Team in 2010), Ogier quickly showcased his ability – and willingness – to put his illustrious teammate in danger. Directives among the personnel has led to some ill feelings, notably in Mexico.
Today, it's hard to imagine the two men continuing to coexist within the same team structure. We thought Loeb would retire from the sport at the end of the 2011 season, but the Frenchman signed on for two more years... and most likely negotiated for lead driver status to remain with Citroën, something Ogier obviously finds difficult to accept.
What now? Even though his contract runs through 2013, Ogier could easily join Volkswagen after the German manufacturer failed to lure his nemesis. The challenge would be interesting at VW, which boasts massive resources and promises to make Ogier its uncontested lead driver.
However, the 2008 Junior world champ would need to agree to spend the 2012 season developing the new Polo R WRC (set to make its debut in 2013), unless VW AG offers him the opportunity to race in a Skoda S2000.
After much consideration, favouring youth by hiring Ogier wouldn't be so bad for a WRC start-up like Volkswagen. It makes sense. Loeb will race for no more than two extra years before hanging his helmet – and dragging Citroën along? – while Ogier's future lies wide open.
Back in spring, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen showed interest in the rising French driver. And he's not alone. Malcolm Wilson, Team Principal at Ford Abu Dhabi, unsuccessfully tried to bring Ogier into the fold earlier in 2011, but you can bet he's been working on a new offer lately.
Ogier should decide on his future pretty soon. He must surely have a good idea after today's interview...
Last weekend, at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, the young French driver openly accused Sebastian Loeb – who was leading the race at that point – of asking the team to lock the driver order at the end of Day 1. Ogier eventually regained the lead after his teammate had a flat tire.
There's a definite malaise brewing at Citroën Racing. Promoted to the official team at the start of this season (he competed in the WRC for Citroën's Junior Team in 2010), Ogier quickly showcased his ability – and willingness – to put his illustrious teammate in danger. Directives among the personnel has led to some ill feelings, notably in Mexico.
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| Sébastien Ogier (Photo: Citroën Racing) |
Today, it's hard to imagine the two men continuing to coexist within the same team structure. We thought Loeb would retire from the sport at the end of the 2011 season, but the Frenchman signed on for two more years... and most likely negotiated for lead driver status to remain with Citroën, something Ogier obviously finds difficult to accept.
What now? Even though his contract runs through 2013, Ogier could easily join Volkswagen after the German manufacturer failed to lure his nemesis. The challenge would be interesting at VW, which boasts massive resources and promises to make Ogier its uncontested lead driver.
However, the 2008 Junior world champ would need to agree to spend the 2012 season developing the new Polo R WRC (set to make its debut in 2013), unless VW AG offers him the opportunity to race in a Skoda S2000.
After much consideration, favouring youth by hiring Ogier wouldn't be so bad for a WRC start-up like Volkswagen. It makes sense. Loeb will race for no more than two extra years before hanging his helmet – and dragging Citroën along? – while Ogier's future lies wide open.
Back in spring, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen showed interest in the rising French driver. And he's not alone. Malcolm Wilson, Team Principal at Ford Abu Dhabi, unsuccessfully tried to bring Ogier into the fold earlier in 2011, but you can bet he's been working on a new offer lately.
Ogier should decide on his future pretty soon. He must surely have a good idea after today's interview...