Now though it is Kosciuszko's turn to skip an event - and Ogier will want to make the most of the absence of his key rival, although he knows the Trier-based event won't be easy.
"I think the Rallye Deutschland will be quite a difficult event. The weather conditions are always changing and that will make it quite difficult for us to find good and consistent grip," he explained. "Although there’s a high-quality field though, I still think a podium is possible. Our key rivals will be absent, but the other C2 Super 1600 drivers are certain to provide some stern opposition for the top places.
"Given our position in the championship, we can’t afford to make any mistakes. So our goal will be to finish as high up the order as we can, without attempting the impossible!"
Kosciuszko isn’t the only top J-WRC runner missing in Germany, as fellow
Suzuki man Jaan Molder and Renault Clio runners Patrik Sandell and Milos Komljenovic will also be absent.
Martin Prokop, who like Ogier is one of the favourites to take gold in the J-WRC this weekend, is determined to try and take another win, to add to the one he managed in Finland two weeks ago. He also won in Germany last year and so he has every reason to be bullish.
"I’m really looking forward to this event! After winning in Germany last year and winning in Finland 10 days ago, I’m determined to try and win the Rallye Deutschland again," he confirmed. "Having said that, while Molder, Sandell and Koscuiszko won’t be there, there are still several other C2 Super 1600s that can win."
Aaron Burkart could be one of those other contenders on home ground, while the likes of Shaun Gallagher, Gilles Schammel and Alessandro Bettega should also figure strongly.
Local star Florian Niegel will be the only J-WRC runner in a Suzuki Swift S1600.
Other significant entries:
87 crews set to start.
87 crews are due to start the Rallye Deutschland, with 25 in World Rally Cars - the highest number to date this year for a single of the World Rally Championship.
