M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have reignited their FIA World Rally Championship defence with victory at this weekend’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.

Piloting their EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC to the top step of the podium, the Frenchmen secured a momentous fifth victory on Welsh soil – making them the event’s most successful pairing in history.

Most importantly, however, the result sees them climb back into second place in the driver and co-driver standings – now just seven points shy of the lead with two events and 60 points still up for grabs!

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson, said: “This victory really does mean a lot to the whole team. We knew that we could deliver a strong result this weekend and that all three of our crews had the ability to fight for the top positions.

“But on Friday evening it looked as though all hope of another win on home soil was gone – Sébastien had lost time with a transmission issue, Elfyn had been forced to retire with a misfire, and Teemu had sustained damage to the rollcage.

“It wasn’t looking great and I was thinking what a different 12 months can make! But you really can never discount Sébastien. He and Julien delivered a true champions’ drive and suddenly I was thinking what a different 24 hours can make!

“Locked in such an intense battle today, they showed what this victory means to them; and their performance through the last three stages was brilliant. It puts us back on track in the driver and co-driver standings and I’m as excited as every rally fan to see how it plays out over the last two events.”

Ogier said: “It’s been a great weekend for us and one with a lot of different emotions. I’m very proud to have won this rally for the fifth time, especially because we know how challenging and tough it is to stay on the road and not make mistakes in these conditions.

“We had a very difficult start on Friday and thought the rally was almost over, but then we fought back with everything we had. We knew that the podium was still within our reach and when Ott [Tänak] had his problems it became a big fight for the win.”

“Jari-Matti [Latvala] was determined to win himself and was very quick, which forced us to react.

“I’m looking forward to Spain now, where we can perform well I think, followed by Australia where it will probably all be decided. I’m sure the fans will love a close fight and I’m excited for the end of the season.”