As Motorsport.com reports, Sebastien Ogier will be missing from the World Rally Championship season opener in Monte Carlo next year, marking his first absence from the iconic event since 2011. The nine-time world champion, who recently set a new record of 214 WRC starts at the Sardinia season finale, stated that family commitments rule him out of the French Alps classic where he has secured a record 10 victories.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, the Frenchman admitted that his wider plans remain completely unwritten. "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 explained. He noted that he is waiting to review the calendar and needs time to reflect before deciding his next moves in the championship.
Probably you won’t see me often, but it’s not impossible that I’m back sometimes.
Ogier has successfully balanced partial campaigns in recent years, scaling back his schedule in 2022 before taking on 11 of the 14 rounds in 2025 on his way to a ninth world title. He matched that same number of starts this year, taking two wins and ending the championship in fourth place. Even so, the Toyota driver confessed that his future appearances will likely be sparse if he returns at all.
"At least at the moment, I'm happy to have a break and then think about it. And I still feel that there is pleasure I'm taking, and I still have a bit to give to this sport. But right now I need some time to reflect," Ogier said. "Probably you won’t see me often, but it’s not impossible that I’m back sometimes."
Meanwhile, Toyota has not yet announced its official driver line-up for the upcoming 2027 season. Whether the GR Yaris Rally1 machinery will see the legendary Frenchman behind the wheel at any point next year remains an open question as the winter break begins.
