WRC champion Sebastien Ogier has secured a full-time FIA WEC seat in new-look Richard Mille team in the LMP2 category.
Having tested with Toyota in Hypercar class – even in recent days – Ogier has been confirmed a full-time WEC seat for the 2022 season. He joins a new-look Richard Mille outfit where he will compete in the LMP2 category.
Moving away from an all-female line-up, Richard Mille will feature Charlies Milesi alongside Ogier with rising female star Lilou Wadoux, who recently won in Alpine Elf Europa Cup. The trio will drive the No. 1 Oreca 07 Gibson machinery in the LMP2 class.
“Up until now, I have focused on my rally career, but it has been on my mind for a long time that endurance racing could be a good challenge,” said Ogier, who is also to contest few WRC rounds with Toyota in 2022. “LMP2 is a fantastic category and the best way for me to reach the highest level of endurance racing and improve in this discipline.
“I am a novice for sure, but I want to enjoy myself while assessing what’s possible and seeing how close I can get to the best. Everyone is excited about it. Charles, Lilou and I come from three different worlds, and it will be interesting to combine our different experiences with Richard Mille, who has been by my side for several years now. This adventure is enticing, but I am aware that I have a lot to learn and a lot of experience to gain. I have always had a good capacity to adapt in rallying, so I hope that this will also be true on race tracks.”
At the same time, Philippe Sinault, Signatech Director and Team Manager – whose team will manage the outfit – stated: “We are delighted to continue this exciting adventure with the Richard Mille Racing Team. In all our projects, we have always had a people-oriented approach, and this trio fits perfectly with that spirit.
“Sebastien Ogier expressed his desire to try his hand at endurance racing, and he has tremendous experience in a specific area of our sport. He has a demanding nature, a culture of performance, a thirst for learning and humility that inspires us with confidence.”
