Ogier’s German hopes fizzle out in vineyard

TRIER, Germany: France’s Sebastien Ogier crashed out in a vineyard in the Rally of Germany on Friday and will now have to wait to wrap up a maiden world title.
Volkswagen driver Ogier was set to succeed compatriot and nine-time champion Sebastien Loeb with victory in this weekend’s race but will not be overly concerned as he holds a healthy 90-point lead over Belgian Thierry Neuville and Jari-Matti Latvala of Finland with four rallies remaining.
“I missed the braking point,” admitted the overnight leader.
“I didn’t have it in my notes. I went into a vineyard and hit something and damaged the front.”
He attempted to repair a damaged suspension and began the second special of the day before the car broke down again in the middle of the road, which handed the lead to his teammate Latvala in the second VW Polo.
Ogier will now have to wait at least until the Rally of Australia in two weeks where he will get another opportunity to wrap up the world championship.
Latvala ended the day still in the lead with a seven-second advantage over Ford Focus driver Neuville.
Spain’s Dani Sordo, in a Citroen, was 26 seconds off the lead.