Julien Ingrassia has returned to the WRC cockpit as Sébastien Ogier’s co‑driver for Rally Finland after Vincent Landais stepped aside for personal reasons.
Last‑minute Co‑Driver Switch for Rally Finland
The reigning world champion called Ingrassia a day after Landais’ withdrawal, sparking an intensive 48‑hour turnaround. Ingrassia, who retired after winning Rally Monza in 2021, flew back to Finland, joined Ogier for an on‑track test, and spent the day familiarising himself with the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1’s quirks.
“I was called last Saturday night and didn’t hesitate,” Ingrassia said. “I had to honour Vincent’s seat and bring him the best result possible.” He noted the speed of the car and the necessity of precise pace‑note delivery, comparing the rhythm needed to that of riding a bike downhill with a helmet.
Re‑establishing the Ogier‑Ingrassia Rhythm
During the pre‑event test, Ogier observed that the switch caused little change in note delivery. “The intonation remains close between the two guys, so there wasn’t a huge shift,” he added. Ingrassia’s experience of consistently producing accurate pace notes during the shakedown helped to reassure the driver.
Both drivers emphasized a shared goal: to honour Landais and deliver a strong result in the fast gravel stages of Finland. Ogier also reiterated the importance of the season‑finale stakes, noting the risk of the Saudi Arabian round being cancelled.
Championship Stakes and Team Rivalry
Ogier maintains a 38‑point gap to title leader Elfyn Evans, and he acknowledges the “big fight” for victory against teammates in Toyota’s midfield factory line‑up and Hyundai’s formidable rivals. He said a points haul in Finland could prove decisive for a 10th world title bid.
“If the Saudi round vanishes, we’ll push for every point,” Ogier added. “The five Toyota drivers still have a realistic shot at the championship.” The team’s strategy remains clear: secure a podium, respect the seat left vacant by Landais, and keep the competition fierce.
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