First win earns Ogier Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally Award

A virtuoso display of speed, courage and determination has earned Sebastian Ogier double honours at the Rally de Portugal this weekend.

The Citroen driver’s stunning maiden FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) victory on the Algarve after just two years in the top tier of rallying was followed up with the prestigious Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally Award to complete a remarkable weekend for the Frenchman.

The ‘Spirit of the Rally’ award recognises parties demonstrating the same values that the WRC’s Official Destination Partner -Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)- stands for; respect, innovation, integrity and teamwork. Ogier’s impressive transition through the grass roots levels of rally to the very pinnacle of the sport and now a debut WRC win, demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and natural skill.

“This has been a perfect weekend. It was a big surprise and we did something special to get this award from ADTA too,” commented Ogier. “Our first victory against six times World Champion Sebastian Loeb is unexpected, but I am now confident for the rest of the Championship and look forward to the next rally.”

Ogier’s Junior World Rally Championship (J-WRC) win in his debut season in that class has already seen him earn a first Spirit of the Rally Award in 2008. It is an achievement that will be keenly observed by the Abu Dhabi Junior drivers as they continue to build on their experience in the formative Fiesta SportTrophy International competition.

“Grass roots programmes are essential to the long-term growth and development of any sport, and Ogier’s impressive WRC win has demonstrated this to great effect,” said Ahmed Hussein, Deputy Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).