While Sébastien was far from clinching a sixth consecutive world title just four races from the end of the season, the driver, known for his iron will, never gave up. He perfectly reversed his trend in the 13th and final round of the World Rally Championship, driven by an incredible determination.

Belgian driver Thierry Neuville was engaged in a dangerous chase on Friday afternoon, following up with aggressive tactics on Saturday and Sunday before hitting a tree and losing a wheel in the first stage of the last loop. To avoid being retired like Estonian driver Ott Tänak, the other title contender, the Frenchman preferred to play things safe with a fifth place that guaranteed him a sixth world title. Sébastien Ogier’s performance this year is even more remarkable than it was in 2017, given that the resources committed by his team, M-Sport, were limited relative to his opponents, Citroën, Hyundai and Toyota.
 

With this win, Ogier becomes the second most successful driver in the history of the WRC and French motorsport, behind the nine WRC titles of his compatriot—also a Richard Mille partner—Sébastien Loeb, consecutively titled from 2004 through 2012. These figures confirm a longstanding French hegemony in this discipline, as the two men have, between them, kept the the world title since 2004.

Sébastien Ogier will return next year as a works driver for Citroën, the eight-time WRC constructor’s champion. With the goal of winning the WRC Drivers Championship with a third manufacturer.