Sebastien Ogier has said that he wants to step up to the top level in the World Rally Championship as soon as possible - and there is increasing speculation that he could make his debut in a World Rally Car on December's season ending Wales Rally GB.
Ogier - or 'the new Sebastien' as he is often hailed - has been sensational in his debut season in the Junior World Rally Championship. Indeed he led the standings throughout, taking four podiums in total, including winning in Mexico, Jordan and Germany,
en-route to the title.
Speaking after clinching the 2008 J-WRC crown in France though, he said he didn't know if he will get to use a WRC car this year.
"You need to ask my boss," said the young Equipe de France FFSA-supported star. "Maybe on Rally GB but for the moment it's not certain.
"I do hope to do that event but I don't know in what car yet! For the future though, for sure we want to go in the WRC as soon as possible."
Citroen boss Olivier Quesnel, however, hinted that a decision could be made as early as this week: "We are going to see. First we wanted him to be Junior champion. He is now and now we are going to see this week what can happen with him," he confirmed.
"We are very happy to have him with Citroen Sport. It's very hard to find something good for him though. We want him to become a great driver.
"Sébastien and [his co-driver] Julien [Ingrassia] have performed very well this year, but they have still got a big learning curve ahead of them. This is just one step towards a possible career in the sport. We will look to see in what ways Citroen and the FFSA can help them."
Sebastien Loeb meanwhile, who won the Junior title in 2001 and who was also a former Equipe de France FFSA Rallye driver, has been impressed by Ogier's form: "Congratulations to Sébastien and Julien on their title," added the four-time World champion. "To achieve a result like this win in only their first season at world level is an outstanding performance.
