You can understand why six-time World Rally Champion, Sebastien Ogier, doesn't want to end his WRC career in 2020. Having switched to Toyota for this season, Ogier was planning on this being his swan song in the championship, and after the first three rounds of the year, he's right on track. Victory in Mexico sees him at the top of the WRC standings and in with a good chance of a seventh title. But then COVID-19 interfered with the world and the season staggered, hiccuped, faltered and might eventually restart. Because of this, he's now started discussions with Toyota on a new deal for 2021. “This year is complicated, so I plan to do one more season. I currently have a one-year contract, but we have started to talk about it with the team," the Frenchman said recently. While no formal announcement has been made, Toyota team principal Tommi Mäkinen has previously made clear his wish to keep the current championship leader in a Yaris into 2021.

Sebastien Ogier won Rally Mexico for Toyota in March 2020 – then the season came to a halt.

“The sport needs drivers like Séb,” M-Sport's Rich Millener. “He is that benchmark performer. When you get a result against somebody like him then you’ve genuinely earned it. At the same time, it’s better for the sport to have as many top drivers as possible. What we don’t want is a few guys dominating. “We worked with him for two years and had a lot of success in that time. He’s a good guy and the WRC needs people like him and Julien [Ingrassia, co-driver].” Hyundai Motorsport driver Thierry Neuville, who has finished second to Ogier in four WRC campaigns, echoed those sentiments. The Belgian said: “It’s definitely a good thing for the championship and for him. It would be the right decision to stay, you don’t want to end your career on a season like this one. "We need names like Séb. It’s very positive news for the championship.”

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