However, a new option appeared on the horizon for Ogier, whose contract is still to be extended. His current deal with Citroen runs out at the end of this season, and now Ford has confirmed interest in Ogier.
“We have spoken to Sebastien Ogier. We are always looking for ways to strengthen our competitiveness and an opportunity came our way. His management wanted to talk to us and we took the move to do that,” said Ford of Europe motorsport manager Gerard Quinn, who had a recent meeting with Ogier and his manager for the prospect of the latter joining Ford in 2011.
“It's important for us to look at our team position, we have two very good drivers in Mikko [Hirvonen] and Jari-Matti (Latvala) and having somebody like Ogier would be good. It would be unfair of me to say anything other than that,” added Quinn, who insisted Ogier would not replace Hirvonen or Latvala at Ford, but compete as part of a 3-driver effort for Ford's WRC team.
“Yes, I have the proposition from them and I look at this proposition and the Citroen proposition and I can give you more information soon. I have nothing to say for the moment,” confirmed Ogier, the recent winner of Rally Portugal.
The Frenchman is currently second in the overall classification after 6 rounds, having scored one win and 2 podiums so far. When asked by the media when he will make his decision on his future team, Ogier revealed that he will make up his mind by the end of Rally Finland, scheduled in late July.
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