Ogier to push harder once title sealed

The Citroen-backed Frenchman has been the class of the JWRC field throughout the season and, if he remains in the lead of the category until the end of Rally Catalunya on Sunday afternoon, he will be crowned champion.

Winning the same title that Sebastien Loeb clinched in 2001 would almost certainly elevate Ogier into a World Rally Car for next season but he says it's next week's Tour de Corse which really interests him at present.

"I would go absolutely flat-out there if I win (the title)," he said. "I don't know how high we could get in this car (the C2), but I think we could make some top-10 times on some stages. It would be really good to go there pushing so hard, especially as this C2 is such a good car.

"I have been thinking about the championship for a long time this year. On the second day in Jordan, after I'd lost some time, I drove flat-out for that day, and then maybe on the first stage on Saturday morning in Germany, but otherwise I've been sensible."

There had been rumours that Ogier would make his debut in a World Rally Car in Ajaccio if he won the Junior title, but he ruled that out, saying: "That would be nice, especially for my home round of the championship, but it's only one week between the two rallies - I don't think the time is enough."

Ogier holds a 40-second lead over his nearest Junior rival at the halfway stage of the opening day in Catalunya.