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Find out why Rally Sweden 2017 will break records
Four-time WRC champion Sébastien Ogier predicts fast stage times at this weekend’s big winter rally.
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Sebastien Ogier
© Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
Rally Sweden 2017 represents the first time that the new generation of more powerful cars will really be able to let loose – especially on the fast, flowing and snow-covered stages around the town of Torsby.
You can witness all the action live on Red Bull TV as WRC drivers really start to push the limits of their new 380bhp cars.
Watch the video below to check out the tech behind the new World Rally Championship machines
Four-time WRC champ Sébastien Ogier arrives in Sweden as the most successful non-Scandinavian driver of all time at this rally. He’s convinced that speeds at this year’s event will reach record-breaking levels.
“I’m quite confident we’ll break the average speed record in Knon,” says Ogier of the new 31.6km stage. “It’s true that some sections feel almost too straight, and it’s not really enjoyable in this way, but you have to adapt to everything.”
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Preview of Rally Sweden
FIA World Rally Championship 2017 Stop 2 - Sweden – Trailer
According to Ogier, this is the rally where we’ll get to see the cars’ bigger wings influencing the proceedings for the first time. "It’s always a compromise between finding some grip but also not having too much drag," he says. “With the speeds we’re going to have this weekend, aerodynamics is going to play a big role. You’ve also got some big straights here and drag is going to cost you speed and performance.
“I don’t know exactly how each team has worked on that, but it’s always a compromise between finding some grip but also not having too much drag. Here, the drag will have a big influence, especially on Knon. It’s really fast and has got long, long straights, so the engine is going to count, and aero as well.”
Check out this honest assessment of the Knon stage from Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon
If there’s one driver in the WRC who likes claiming fastest stage times, it’s Sébastien Ogier. Presumably, then, the prospect of tackling Rally Sweden in a heavily winged 380bhp WRC monster is something he’s relishing.
“I think we’re all looking forward to this event,” says the Frenchman. “The cars are a bit faster, but also give a bit more grip. There are some new challenges and you have to adapt. It’s not like you can watch the onboards from the past. The parameters have changed a little bit and that makes it exciting for us and for the fans as well.”
Watch exclusive live coverage of WRC Rally Sweden on Red Bull TV this weekend – and don’t miss the daily recap.
You can tune in to the channel on smart TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices and more. Click here for a list of supported devices.
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