Sweden spin one of my "stupidest mistakes" - Ogier
Sebastien Ogier has put the blame entirely on himself for not being able to fight for the Rally Sweden win because of a spin on Sunday morning.
Sébastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia, M-Sport, Ford Fiesta WRC
Jarno Kraayvanger
Ogier, who started his collaboration with M-Sport with victory in Monte Carlo, spent most of last weekend's Karlstad-based event in fourth behind Thierry Neuville, Jari-Matti Latvala and teammate Ott Tanak.
Neuville's retirement promoted him to third and just 16 seconds from the lead before Sunday's final three stages.
However, Ogier spun at the very first turn on the first of these, SS16, which robbed him of a chance to fight for the win. He ultimately came third, nearly a minute down on Toyota's Jari-Matti Latvala.
"I made one of the stupidest mistakes of my career," recalled Ogier. "In the first corner [of SS16], 50 metres in, I caught a snowbank and spun, and then I stalled the engine and I knew my chances were over.
"I didn’t even get the chance to try. In the end I can say that my weekend was a difficult one but what I got from it is really good because 19 points I’m very happy with.
"It’s a good step in the championship. The bigger picture of the weekend was positive for us."
Still struggling with the car
Ogier signed with M-Sport late on last year, giving him limited time to settle in, the Frenchman entering Rally Sweden with just two days of pre-event testing on snow.
While he lies second in the points after two rallies, four behind former teammate Latvala, Ogier admitted he is still not at his best with the car.
"I knew from the start of the season that I was going to start a bit behind the others," he added.
"I still struggle a bit with the car and struggle to find the perfect settings. But to see the results we get even when not having the best preparation is good.
"We have a really good base so let’s see what Mexico brings and we hope to secure some points there."
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