Why Loeb v Ogier duel gave the WRC's new hybrid era the ideal start
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Why Loeb v Ogier duel gave the WRC's new hybrid era the ideal start

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OPINION: Any lingering concerns about the new-for-2022 Rally1 hybrid cars were dispelled by a blockbuster opening round to the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo. The duel between Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier created a perfect feel-good story that will carry the series forward into its new era.

“I think this was one the fans could really enjoy – both of us, Seb and me – we felt that support this weekend. It was really enjoyable and a good show for the sport.”

Those are the words of eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier after coming up short to nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb in Monte Carlo, following arguably the best duel in the World Rally Championship's recent history. Ogier’s comments sum up last weekend perfectly.

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