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HAGFORS, Sweden (AFP) –
Winners of Rally Sweden, second round of the FIA World Rally Championship, France’s Sebastien Ogier (R) and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia, celebrate on their car during the winners ceremony in Karlstad on February 10, 2013.
Frenchman Sebastien Ogier gave Volkswagen their first world championship victory on Sunday when he won the Rally of Sweden.
The 29-year-old, recording his eighth victory at this level, beat home compatriot and nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb in his Citroen by 41.8sec.
Ogier, whose 1-2 with Loeb was the first time French drivers had achieved such a feat in a race normally dominated by Scandinavians, also took the lead in the overall standings.
“After finishing second in Monte Carlo, this is an ideal start to the season. I would have signed up for two podium places at the start,” said Ogier.
“All the work we have done is paying off quickly.”
Loeb, who has won this rally just once, in 2004, won the opening race in Monte Carlo but is only contesting two other races this season, in Argentina and his home rally in France.
