Despite winning Rally Spain together, Sébastien Ogier and Benjamin Veillas’ World Rally Championship partnership has come to an end, with Pierre-Louis Loubet’s navigator Vincent Landais stepping in for Rally Japan.
Prior to 2022, Julien Ingrassia had been the only co-driver Ogier had had in his WRC career, but when Ogier decided to regress his rallying commitments to just a partial season, Ingrassia chose to retire completely – leaving Ogier without a co-driver.
Veillas, who had done several tests with Ogier and acted as his route note crew co-driver, was the solution, and the pair almost won on debut on the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally.
But ahead of the season finale, Ogier has decided that a change is needed.
“Firstly I want to say thank you to Benjamin for his hard work and application during our program of rallies this year. It was a special moment to share our first victory together in Spain,” said Ogier.
“Now that the team has secured all three championships and the main targets for the season have been achieved, we would of course like to finish on a high at the home rally for Toyota in Japan.
“But this final round is also a chance to prepare and evaluate some things for the future and to give an opportunity to Vincent, who is a talented and motivated young co-driver.
“He has been working with us in our gravel crew and after this nice experience I am excited to compete in our first rally together and to see how it works out.”
Landais, who wasn’t supposed to compete in Japan as his season alongside Loubet ended after Spain, added:
“It will be a big honor to join Séb and the team for Rally Japan.
“Séb and Julien have been like role models for every French driver and co-driver, so this is a great opportunity and one that I’m very proud of.
“Julien has been helping me a lot during my career, and I already had the chance to work with Séb as part of his gravel crew in Monte Carlo this year. Japan will be a big challenge with a lot to learn but I will focus on doing my best as always and try to make the most of this chance.
“Finally I would like to thank M-Sport, Pierre-Louis Loubet and his sponsors for this season and the good results we could do together.”
Veillas, who achieved three podiums in five starts alongside Ogier, described the opportunity to work with Ogier as an “incredible experience”.
“To be able to win a WRC rally in Spain was a dream come true for me, and I’m also proud to have been part of such a successful season for Toyota Gazoo Racing,” Veillas said.
“It has not been easy for me to step into this role, one which brings a lot of pressure and long hours during the week of a rally.
“The decision to give an opportunity to a young and talented co-driver for Rally Japan is therefore one that I completely understand and which I fully support.
“I would like to thank Séb and the team for their help and support this season and wish them together with Vincent the best of luck in Japan.”
Ogier won’t be the only driver with a new co-driver for Japan. Craig Breen will compete with James Fulton for the first time after Paul Nagle decided to retire after Rally Spain.
