Story byMotorsport photoTom HowardTue, January 20, 2026 at 2:56 PM UTC·3 min readSebastien Ogier says a repeat of his 2025 WRC success will be difficult, but admits the motivation “to go for it” remains amid talk of a record-breaking 10th title campaign. Barely hours after matching WRC legend Sebastien Loeb as a fellow nine-time world champion in November last year, Ogier was already facing questions about the possibility of fighting for a 10th title in 2026. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn the eve of the 2026 season, which begins in Monte Carlo this weekend on stages where Ogier has grown up and mastered, the 42-year-old and reigning world champion is once again the overwhelming favourite to clinch an 11th Monte Carlo win. Ogier heads into 2026 off the back of arguably the greatest season of his career in 2025, which resulted in a ninth world title despite sitting out three rallies as part of his wish for a partial season. Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais scored six wins and finished 10 of their 11 events on the podium as they snatched the title from Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans by just four points. This year, Ogier stated he plans to contest only 10 of the 14 events, one rally fewer than 2025. But such has been his form that many are tipping the Frenchman to challenge for another world title. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHyundai Motorsport, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ford M-Sport WRC carsHyundai Motorsport, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Ford M-Sport WRC cars“I think it was pretty much visible from the outside, but from my point of view I believe it [2025] was definitely one of my strongest seasons in my career, so I think I need to appreciate that and be happy with what we achieved last year," Ogier told Motorsport. com.“Everybody is now questioning me about 10 [titles] blah, blah, blah, but the truth is I know it won’t be easy to redo this kind of performance.
