Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia are new World Rally Champions!

"WorldRallyBlog" (world-rallyblog) 10/03/2013 at 13:25 • Filed to: wrc, rally, sebastien ogier, julien ingrassia, rallye de france, sebastien loeb

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After nine years of total domination of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena time has come for another Sebastien to take the title. Even though the Rallye de France just started, by failing to win the bonus points power stage, Belgian Thierry Neuville lost a chance to challenge Ogier in the remaining events, virtually confirming Ogier and Ingrassia as 2013 World Rally Champs.

Well deserved in my humble opinion.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 13:31

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Wait. A Volkswagen won? I guess there is one car they didn't make shittier in its current iteration, haha.

. . > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 13:38

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I like that 'ogier' means stallion in Polish. Seems fitting.

WorldRallyBlog > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 10/03/2013 at 13:41

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Manufacturer title is still undecided between Volkswagen and Citroën.

Kristian > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 17:58

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Did you say Sebastien?

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 18:01

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I'd give VAG that, their brands have one talent, they know when to enter a racing series. In LMP, everyone(Mercedes, Toyota, BMW) was leaving the series, Audi stayed and made history, in WTCC, Alfa was leaving, BMW was reducing it's participation, Seat entered and was successful, in Dakar, VW joined exactly when the big force before them(Mitsubishi) was leaving. Now it happened the same thing, in the WRC, Ford and Citroen were on their way out, VW arrives, and wins in their first year.

Dusty Ventures > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 18:05

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Once Vettel inevitably wins the title in F1 this year it will make 14 Sebastien titles in 10 years in the world's two biggest motorsports championships

racingmaniac > Dusty Ventures 10/03/2013 at 18:09

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Might add Bourdais to that too...04-07 Champ Car titles...

Steve Hopkinson > Kristian 10/03/2013 at 18:10

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That's Sebasti a n, dude.

Steve Hopkinson > Dusty Ventures 10/03/2013 at 18:11

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Nah, just 10. The other four were won by some guy called Sebastian.

El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > Dusty Ventures 10/03/2013 at 18:14

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Bet that a lot of babies are in Germany and France got the name Sebastian, this year.

Dusty Ventures > Steve Hopkinson 10/03/2013 at 18:15

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True. But if accepting all spelling variants...

WorldRallyBlog > Dusty Ventures 10/03/2013 at 18:16

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Next up is Sebastien Chardonnet, 24 year old Frenchman, currently leading the WRC3 category.

foxbody > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 18:21

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I miss Loeb's winning streak. Some people argue it was bad for competition, and the sport of Rally in general.

I argue it was a fucking awesome show of utter and complete dominance that we'll likely not see again soon.

WorldRallyBlog > foxbody 10/03/2013 at 18:27

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Give Ogier a chance. Unlikely that anyone will be able to challenge him, apart from Thierry Neuville. But I for one would not mind a more spicy championship, two or three equally fast and under-control drivers. Because Jari-Matti Latvala is fast, but there's more to it than just speed, capt. Obvious said.

Raphael Orlove > Steve Hopkinson 10/03/2013 at 18:48

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::pushes up glasses::

steevkay > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 19:04

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The only reason for that is because Loeb retired, or didn't contest in every race, right? Don't follow WRC too well, but in F1, if Vettel only contested half the races then Alonso surely would be a triple champion.

Gaseous Clay > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 10/03/2013 at 19:39

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yeah, it's every car not in their north american lineup

WorldRallyBlog > steevkay 10/03/2013 at 20:14

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Not true. This argument is invalid in my opinion because Loeb was not here, plain and simple. Ogier did not win this title because Loeb wasn't competing in every round, simply because we're missing one part of the equation and that is Loeb! How do you know Loeb would win those rounds he missed? Ogier is at least as fast as Loeb and I am pretty sure Loeb would not just walk to 10th title had he not decided to semi-retire this year.

Dusty Ventures > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 20:51

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If Loeb wins France it means he would have won the title. If Ogier wins France it means he would have beat Loeb anyway. If Hirvonen wins France it means both Sebs have been cheating via steroids and all their championships should be forefitted to him. ;)

H.E.Pennypacker > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 21:11

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Do they even show WRC in the states anymore?

I appreciate the greatness of Schumacher, Vettel and Loeb but it's nice to see someone else win the championship for a change.

joed > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 21:13

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I'm so out of date with WRC.

They have a 'bonus points power stage' now?

WorldRallyBlog > Dusty Ventures 10/03/2013 at 21:40

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For a moment I was all "WTF dude" but then I saw who posted this. You magnificent troll you.

WorldRallyBlog > joed 10/03/2013 at 21:41

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Yes, first three get extra points. 3 points for the stage win, 2 for 2nd and 1 for 3rd. It's usually the last stage of the event but in France they decided that the first stage of the rally will be the power stage.

Dusty Ventures > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 22:07

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Just making sure you're paying attention

TheKingOfBirds > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 22:37

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I was all for a new champ too. Then in one of the rallys that Loeb was running (and kicking Ogier's ass) Ogier says, "well I don't have to beat him". In a later interview the quote is mentioned to Loeb. With a puzzled look on his face he answers, "Really? He said that?". I'll root for the guy who wants to race against the best—and beat them.

Felipe Cerda > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 23:23

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Yup, well deserved, but I don't think he's the "new Seb" like I've read in press. He's just not as good as Loeb. I think some other driver will come in a few years.

Giant Lobster Monster > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 23:25

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I wish we could have seen a couple of full seasons of Ogier vs Loeb. That would have been nothing short of legendary.

brellnob > WorldRallyBlog 10/03/2013 at 23:42

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Because he won the last 9 titles in a row. It's been proven Ogier can't beat him consistantly. And Ogier is not as fast as Loeb, they were in the same car a couple of years ago and Ogier had nothing for him.

WorldRallyBlog > brellnob 10/04/2013 at 03:30

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Ogier was a newcomer back then and he was under pressure from team not to push Loeb and risk the points. One of the reasons he (Ogier) left the Citroen. And that's only reference we have to compare two Sebs. If others were unable to compete with Loeb for nine years, that does not mean Ogier is part of that bunch.

FormerInstants > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 04:47

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Wow hey thanks for the spoilers in the headline on the front page . Not that it's really a big surprise, but still.

On the plus side, you've reminded me I need to torrent the coverage come Monday...

WorldRallyBlog > FormerInstants 10/04/2013 at 04:51

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Rally only just started, you haven't missed much. Also many stages are shown in live TV so tune in.

skaspy > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 08:18

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Yea and way to post the result right in the title. No, don't worry. None of us in the states have to wait for someone to upload it to youtube or anything. Had no plans to watch it tonight at all...

WorldRallyBlog > skaspy 10/04/2013 at 09:07

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I'm sorry if I spoiled anything, but this kind of happened yesterday. And rally is still going on today, tomorrow and on Sunday. Ogier won based on yesterday's single stage. Not sure what exactly is spoiled for you. Besides, you can watch this particular rally live as we speak, regardless if you're from the US or anywhere else.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

FormerInstants > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 09:46

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It's not so much on TV in America =/ Or if it is, please let me know where.

nestanj > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 09:48

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Agreed! There is even some speculation that Loeb asked the team to dump Ogier to keep him from challenging him. It was clear that at some point Ogier was going to ignore team orders and go all Multi-21 on Loeb.

nestanj > H.E.Pennypacker 10/04/2013 at 09:50

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No, its not shown in the US. But, you can download the EU broadcasts from a special racing website. I would be killed if I posted the name of it here. It's named after a small, flesh eating fish.

nestanj > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 09:54

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Everyone knew Ogier would wrap up the title in France. No spoiler there. The real battle is which Seb will win. So far this year, the score is 2 Loeb, 1 Ogier.

Pdexter > foxbody 10/04/2013 at 10:08

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As a Finn as much I hated him brake those Finland Rally records that have stayed in Finns hands for tens of years, that guy is pure dominance.

He did not have the competition previous generations had, but I think in the end of the season we would have seen him at the first spot. He made it clear this year by just hopping in and winning races and last year when his mind didn't seem to be in it. He was still as dominating as ever.

WorldRallyBlog > FormerInstants 10/04/2013 at 10:17

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http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/watch-rallye-d…

CRX-Wing > FormerInstants 10/04/2013 at 10:18

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It's 2013. There's the internet. I get so tired of people screaming about sports spoilers if anyone dares to mention any sporting result on any for of social media. And this is a CAR SITE. You don't think they may occasionally report on CAR RACING results? Does ESPN make sure to bury the results deep down in the article so as to not offend people who DVR'd the game? No. They don't.

meccapanzer > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:21

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Great pics, car looks great.

gearboxtrouble > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:22

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What sort of power does the 1.6L turbo make? Didn't see that in the article.

brellnob > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:23

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He is just apart of it as everyone else. He went up against loeb from 2009 to 2012, finishing 8,4,3, and 12th respectively. He was in a factory car in 2011 and finished 3rd, Third. He couldn't even get second in the same car. He couldn't beat Mikko to second in a Fiesta, how is he just as good as Loeb again?

WorldRallyBlog > gearboxtrouble 10/04/2013 at 10:24

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Around 300 HP.

vr6geek > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:24

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Awesome! Now VW will definitely bring the Polo to the states. Right?

Please?

Pdexter > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:26

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Finland, not Finnland. :)

WorldRallyBlog > brellnob 10/04/2013 at 10:33

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Fair points, but where are all those drivers this year compared to Ogier? I'm not saying Ogier would certainly win this year's title if Loeb was here, or vice versa. I am saying the fight between the two would be great now that Ogier is in "his" team and matured beyond his initial primadona antics. To say either would be certain winner if they both were to contest all rounds this year... it would be a hard pick.

Sorry for all the grammar horrors, English is not my primary language and I'm doing 5 things at the same time.

Thanks for discussion!

brellnob > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:38

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Also Loeb won 9 out of 13 rallies in the the last full championship he competed in and won the 9th title with 2 rallies to go. P.S. He entered 3 rallies this year and won 2 finished 2nd in the other.

WorldRallyBlog > brellnob 10/04/2013 at 10:46

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That's the problem with this year - hard to compare them with Loeb not needing to think about the points. Even though I'm quite confident they were both competing in those 3 events without thinking about driver's or manuf's points. To an extent at least.

manifold engines > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:47

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Thanx for sharing the pix above. Also, Finland has only one 'N' - none in Suomi (Finnish for Finland)...

WorldRallyBlog > manifold engines 10/04/2013 at 10:51

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I blame Máté, not sure if he can see these comments. He added the images and description of the car when he re-shared this to front page.

manifold engines > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:54

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Thanx for that. Still love those aerial photos...

netloco > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 10:55

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WorldRallyBlog > Pdexter 10/04/2013 at 11:07

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Máté dispatched some mechanics and they reported it fixed. His excuse was, and I quote, "Too much Finlandia."

WorldRallyBlog > vr6geek 10/04/2013 at 11:12

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I passed your call to them, but I don't think that's enough. You'll have to be louder than that.

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 11:44

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I think the reason for VW winning is a little simpler than all of that...

FlatOutOrEffOff > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 11:52

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Sorry but WRC has no right what so ever to call itself the pinnacle of rally, it's a total joke, we've gone from big SERIOUS cars with 300+ bhp to tiny pathetic high-school boy-racer tin-car hatchbacks with less than 300 bhp. The old big WRC cars rewarded driving on the ragged edge, but the current crop only reward being neat and tidy: they only suit one particular driving style which is why the French and Spanish drivers are so strong these days as the current crop of cars only suit the tarmac rally driving style.

WorldRallyBlog > King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider 10/04/2013 at 11:53

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Best fucking image describing how do you spend your days as a world champion. Top of the world Ma'!

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 12:34

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Wrong.

It won because Sebastian Loeb only showed up 4 times, and still managed to beat Ogier once or twice.

Not saying he didn't deserve it, but if Loeb wanted the title, he could've had it.

Hermann > Dusty Ventures 10/04/2013 at 13:06

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I think I know my future son's name.

WorldRallyBlog > F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars 10/04/2013 at 13:09

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Not saying he didn't deserve it, but if Loeb wanted the title, he could've had it.

Just like that?

IHadAnAccountNowImJustABurner > steevkay 10/04/2013 at 13:15

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This is a joke right? We all know Ogier only won because Gronholm retired several years ago...

On another note, I hope this attracts more constructors. I miss the days when there were more than four marques competing. Bring back Suzuki!!!

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 13:33

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No, obviously, but if you look at the 3 races Loeb has run (of four) he's got two wins, and a second.

Basically, Loeb is demonstrating that he can show up whenever he wants, and as good as Ogier is, Loeb can still beat him when he wants.

If Ogier had beaten Loeb in a full season, then yes, Ogier is the new king, but since Loeb did so well on a partial season, it feels tainted.

WorldRallyBlog > F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars 10/04/2013 at 13:56

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That's the catch, maybe. Loeb doing only handful of rallies this year so he can afford to push harder if needed, because points do not matter. I'm not saying that was entirely the case, but surely Loeb had a much easier job in maintaining pace than Ogier. Which, again, makes it bad that we were basically robbed of the duel between the two this year. And not only them, look at what Thierry Neuville is doing. No, I don't think Loeb would have an easy job this year.

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 14:04

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El Relámpago(LZone) - Humanity First! > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 14:53

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And Buemi, he impressed me in the Austin WEC race, and I was considering him the weakest link at Toyota.

phuzz > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 15:00

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I've owned four mk 1 or 2 Polos, so this news fills me with joy, despite knowing that this car shares absolutely zero parts with mine.

WorldRallyBlog > phuzz 10/04/2013 at 15:04

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Don't worry. I too consider my 2003 Renault Megane to be based on the DNA of Alpine, R5 Turbo and Megane Trophy. Sometimes I even wave my fingers while holding the steering wheel as if I'm about to switch gears using paddle shifter. Because sports car. Not. ;) We're consumers!

joed > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 16:21

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Haha, that just seem so anti-climatic.

Its like one of those series where you get points for pole and someone clinch the championship before the race even starts.

H.E.Pennypacker > nestanj 10/04/2013 at 17:57

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Thanks for the info, and the tip.

sloPro > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 22:28

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not going to lie, but for a thread titled " HOW " vw won, there is a very scarce amount of information. a bit more of vehicle specs would be highly welcomed, that's for sure. also not mentioning what/how/why Loeb isn't in the championship. iamdisappoint.

FormerInstants > WorldRallyBlog 10/04/2013 at 23:53

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Whoa, Al Jazeera? I'll maybe have to check out if they carry WRC in the ol' USofA.

FormerInstants > CRX-Wing 10/04/2013 at 23:59

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In my defense, Jalopnik doesn't have a strong history of plastering WRC results on the front page (unlike F1 results, which I dutifully avoid), so I wasn't expecting it to be on my list of sites to avoid.

Kanaric > WorldRallyBlog 10/10/2013 at 03:18

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WRC with fake cars = do not care

Kanaric > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 10/10/2013 at 03:19

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It doesn't matter it's a fake car anyways. If they sell a AWD polo with decent horsepower let me know but i'm sure their cars are about as legit as the rear drive 5.0 v8 impala they were racing in Nascar.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Kanaric 10/10/2013 at 08:19

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Haha, I know this.