Sebastien Ogier to sit out 2027 Rallye Monte Carlo for family reasons

Sébastien Ogier will sit out the 2027 World Rally Championship season opener at the Rallye Monte Carlo, stepping away from the iconic tarmac event he has conquered a record ten times. The decision marks the first time Ogier will miss the prestigious opening round since 2011, driven primarily by family commitments as his wife undertakes an important professional engagement during that period.

Ogier Prioritises Family over Monte Carlo

Explaining his rationale to Canal Sport before the start of Rally Sardinia, the nine-time world champion noted that after years of his wife supporting his rallying career, it is now his turn to return the favor. Ogier recently set a new all-time record for WRC starts at 214 during the Sardinia season finale, where he matched 11 starts for the year, claimed two wins, and finished fourth in the championship.

While his absence from Monte Carlo is cemented, the Frenchman’s broader 2027 schedule remains entirely fluid. As you know I will not be at the Monte Carlo, and I’m not sure I will be at any event so far. There is no plan yet, but let’s see, Ogier told Motorsport.com. He added that the probability of embarking on a full championship quest is very low, citing that motivation is occasionally harder to find, though he wants to stay connected with Toyota.

Toyota Awaits New WRC27 Regulations

Toyota has yet to communicate its official driver lineup for the 2027 season, leaving the door open regarding how event-by-event allocations will be handled. The upcoming 2027 campaign will also introduce major shifts to the sport, including the rollout of new WRC27 regulations and the end of the current Rally1 era, featuring less powerful new-generation cars that could influence ongoing strategic decisions.

Although a lighter schedule could open opportunities for younger drivers, Ogier has stopped short of retiring entirely from the discipline. Probably you won’t see me often, but it’s not impossible that I’m back sometimes, Ogier stated, noting that he still takes pleasure in rallying and feels he has more to give once he takes time to reflect on the evolving calendar, which also includes Portugal’s withdrawal.

Ogier Awaits Calendar Details Before Deciding Appearances

As the championship prepares to open without its most decorated winner, teams and rivals will adjust their strategies while awaiting further clarity. Ogier intends to wait for more information regarding the calendar before making any further determinations about potential later-season appearances if family obligations ease. Until then, the exact parameters of Toyota’s roster and Ogier’s potential selective return points remain pending as the WRC looks toward its next era.