What comes next after an illustrious rallying career and eight world titles? For Sébastien Ogier, it has to be the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Just like it was for his predecessor, nine-time world rally champion Sébastien Loeb. The French driver is still tied to Toyota for some WRC races this year, but if his performance in LMP2 proves to be on a par with his special rally feats, he could be in the running for a Hypercar. While that’s clearly in the back of his mind, the Richard Mille Racing Team driver is keeping his feet on the ground. “I am aware that it’s a difficult challenge. And I have to be honest: there's a greater chance of not succeeding,” he says, before reframing it; “What does success actually look like, though? I don’t expect to be the best driver out there, you have to be realistic; some guys have been doing it for years and weigh 20 kg less than me. They’re both huge advantages in this class. Most of all, I want to enjoy myself, get to grips with track and endurance racing, then try to do the best I can.” Ogier is going in with his sights set high. But is that any surprise, coming from a driver who has been competing at the highest level for 15 years?

His obsession with weight crops up immediately when he’s asked about his preparation. “Physically, I’ve prepared pretty well, especially by losing weight because, given my size, I tend to carry a few more kilos than many other drivers, and compared to my teammates too [Lilou Wadoux and Charles Milesi]. That really affects your performance here, so I’ve lost as much as I can. I'm almost back to the weight I was when I was 25,” he says happily. “It’s two to three kilos. I won't lose any more than that, but it's about going into it in the best possible shape.” There’s no mistaking that when it comes to preparation, we’re talking to a champion. Yet he doesn't expect to suffer as much as he does in his original discipline. “Although the physical demands are different, they are almost less taxing. These are long races, but a week of rallying is very demanding both physically and mentally. At Le Mans, I will sometimes be driving for one and a half or two hours. It's quite intense, it can get very hot in the cockpit, but you have time to catch your breath on the straights.”

Competing in the #1 Oreca 07-Gibson prototype in a 27-strong LMP2 class that is as crowded as it is competitive, Sébastien Ogier is set to meet his match. “The adrenaline will kick in, and I have to learn the ropes,” he admitted at scrutineering. Ogier, it turns out, is not a fan of the simulator: “I did a two-hour session this week, just to get my bearings and to gain some time on my very first laps.” Being the unfailing pro that he is, he wants only one thing as he gears up for his first 24 Hours of Le Mans: to drive, drive, and drive some more. “Sharing the car among three of us limits our driving time, and that can be quite frustrating,” he admits. “On the other hand, I think it's great. The shared experience is interesting, especially when you have a teammate like Charles [Milesi, LMP2 winner in 2021 with Team WRT] who is a good point of reference and can give you insights on how to progress.” Ogier’s specific skills as a rally driver should propel him to impressive performance levels very quickly. “Rally drivers have to adapt quickly, and that’s one of my strengths.” He has already driven the car at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May, and he will naturally build on that experience, especially if the weather conditions deteriorate. “I had a whole stint in the rain at Spa, so I have some idea of what to expect.”

Whatever the weather has in store for the race this weekend, all eyes will be on Sébastien Ogier. Expectations are as high as he is outstanding.