“It’s a new season in every sense of the word – a new era, a new car and a new team,” noted Ogier. “We all know that experience is an important factor in rallying and it would have been nice to have had more time with the team, but we have learned a lot over the past month.
“Over the years, I have learnt to be pragmatic in my approach and to focus on the job in hand. That is exactly what we plan to do this week. We’ve not had a lot of preparation, but we go to this first event determined to do our best.”
Ogier has had little opportunity to test M-Sport’s 2017-spec Fiesta since his arrival at the team but hopes his successful record on the wintry asphalt event will stand him in good stead.
“We had two days of testing in typical Monte conditions last week and we all know the secret to doing well at this event – it’s all about making the right tire choice, anticipating the conditions and judging the grip levels,” he added.
“I’ve had a lot of success at Rallye Monte-Carlo, but I never fail to feel humbled in the face of such a historic and challenging event. It is an event like no other, and if you do well there then you know that you have delivered your best.”
Team boss Malcolm Wilson shared his new driver’s confidence,despite their limited prep time together.
“We feel that we have produced another fantastic car, but no one really knows what will happen until all the teams meet for the first time in competition,” said Wilson. “You can feel the anticipation, and rightly so. This is going to be a spectacular year of rallying, and we find ourselves with the strongest driver line-up that we have had in years.
“You always want more time, but in our case that is especially true. Sebastien is a class act, but with so little seat time in the Fiesta we have to admit that he will be starting at a disadvantage. That said, if anyone can succeed when the odds are stacked against them, it’s Sebastien Ogier.”