WRC: Ogier to miss Monte Carlo Rally 2027, first absence since 2011
The newsroomUpdated on October 8, 20263 minSébastien Ogier will skip the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally, the WRC season opener, for the first time since 2011. The nine-time world champion puts family first.
Key point
Nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier will miss the Monte Carlo Rally 2027 for the first time since 2011 and does not yet know how many rallies he will do.
Sébastien Ogier will not start the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Toyota driver, a nine-time world champion, confirmed on 7 October 2026 that he will miss the event for the first time since 2011. He has not yet decided how many rallies he will contest next season.
Why Ogier is skipping Monte Carlo
According to Autosport, the Frenchman is stepping back from the opener for family reasons. DirtFish adds that Ogier wants to support his wife, who has backed his career for about 10 years, since their son was born. He feels he owes her more and says he will assess the situation before deciding further. Monte Carlo is his favourite event, where he holds the record with 10 wins.
A 2027 programme still up in the air
Ogier does not know which rallies he will do in 2027. He says he is not sure he will be at any event so far, wants time to reflect and more information about the calendar. He is happy to take a break, while insisting he still has "a bit to give" to the sport. His own summary: you probably won't see him often, but it is not impossible that he is back sometimes.
Toyota has not yet announced its 2027 driver line-up.
A part-timer since 2022
Ogier has not contested a full WRC season since 2021. His first part-time year, 2022, covered six of 13 rallies. Since then he has often started more than half of the events:
- 2025: 11 of 14 rallies and a ninth world title, despite missing three rounds;
- 2026: the same number of starts, two wins and fourth place in the championship;
- Sardinia 2026: a record 214 WRC starts at the season finale.
What it means for the WRC
Without him, the 2027 season will open without Monte Carlo's record winner. It remains to be seen who Toyota will line up and whether Ogier returns occasionally during the year.
Key points
- Ogier will not contest Monte Carlo 2027, a first since 2011.
- Reason: family life, with a wish to support his wife.
- No other 2027 rally is confirmed for him.
- Toyota has not revealed its 2027 line-up.
Frequently asked questions
Will Ogier start the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally?
No. Sébastien Ogier confirmed on 7 October 2026 that he will not start, for the first time since 2011.
Why is Ogier missing Monte Carlo?
For family reasons: according to DirtFish he wants to support his wife since their son was born.
Is Ogier quitting the WRC?
No. He does not yet know which rallies he will do in 2027, but says he still has something to give and may return from time to time.
Sources
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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