Sébastien Ogier (in left) Sebastien Ogier of France (L) and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia celebrate their world title in WRC, acquired at the end of Rally Australia, September 13, 2015. – WILLIAM WEST / AFP

NC with AFP

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Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia (VW Polo-R) became world rally champions for the third time by winning the Rally Australia on Sunday in Coffs Harbour. “It’s fantastic, an incredible result. That was our goal and we can be proud of us because it was very difficult. It’s magic, “responded the French on Radio Rally after the stop point of the 17th and last special stage, the Power Stage that brought him three bonus points.

The podium is completed by its Finnish teammate Jari-Matti Latvala, second to 12 seconds, and the Briton Kris Meeke (Citroën DS3), 3rd in 32 seconds, which resisted all weekend in the Volkswagen drivers. This third world title, achieved with panache, thanks to a 31st WRC win, including seven this year, brings a little more Ogier in the legend. It exceeds eg the Finn Marcus Gronholm, former arch rival Sebastien Loeb, who won 30 times and sacred twice.

even putting two riders on the podium, as so often this season, Volkswagen also ensures a third consecutive world title as Ogier’s lead driver. There are three rallies to run this season in Corsica, Catalonia and Wales.