One of the greatest drivers in rally history, is looking for a new challenge. After competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship Rookie Tests in Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR010 Hybrid, Sébastien Ogier is making the switch to endurance where he freely admits he has everything to learn. The Frenchman will team up with Charles Milesi, LMP2 class winner at the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Lilou Wadoux, the first woman to have won the Alpine Elf Europa Cup, in the Oreca 07-Gibson entered by Richard Mille Racing Team.

“I know it's a big challenge, but I have been looking for a programme that motivates me more than the easy option,” Ogier says. “Up until now, I have focused on my rally career, but it has been on my mind for a long time that endurance racing could be a good challenge. All drivers tend to be a bit self-centred, but there comes a time you want to share more when you are lucky enough to have had a successful career. LMP2 is a fantastic category and the best way for me to reach the highest level of endurance racing and improve in this discipline. I am a novice for sure, but I want to enjoy myself while assessing what's possible and seeing how close I can get to the best. Everyone is excited about it. Charles, Lilou and I come from three different worlds, and it will be interesting to combine our different experiences with Richard Mille, who has been by my side for several years now. This adventure is enticing, but I am aware that I have a lot to learn and a lot of experience to gain. I have always had a good capacity to adapt in rallying, so I hope that this will also be true on race tracks!"

Ogier and Wadoux will receive valuable support from the experienced Signatech team, managed by Philippe Sinault.

Promoting inclusivity 

Ever since Richard Mille Racing Team was founded, the outfit has made a point of challenging the status quo. Over the last two years, an all-female line-up has represented the team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but it is now looking to move on to the next stage of its adventure by opting for a mixed squad in the FIA WEC LMP2 class. “Our initial aim was to call attention to the lack of opportunities for women,” says Amanda Mille. “It was important for us to start with an all-female team to make our intentions known, compel people to think and challenge biases. We have had two great years with three women who have proven themselves in an LMP2 prototype in ELMS and then WEC. However, all the female drivers say they want more inclusivity by finding their place in mixed teams. Their dream comes true when men want to drive alongside them in the same team, and this is now our case with a trio promising a fulfilling season both from a human and sporting perspective.”

Ogier will follow in the footsteps of Markku Alén*, Björn Waldegård, Walter Röhrl, Colin McRae and Sébastien Loeb – all world rally champions who have been drawn to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Loeb finished second in 2006 at the wheel of a Pescarolo C60 shared with Éric Hélary and Franck Montagny.

* winner of the FIA Cup for Drivers (the drivers’ world championship was only created in 1979)

PHOTO: Charles Milesi, Lilou Wadoux and Sébastien Ogier in front of the #1 Oreca 07-Gibson entered by Richard Mille Racing Team.