When it comes to fame and fortune in motorsport, Formula One drivers always dominate, the grand prix circus’ mix of speed and glamour helping it grab all the headlines.
However, if you’re looking for the bravest and most versatile pedallers on the planet then you need to trek into the forests or climb up a mountain and seek out a rally driver. With a need to get a grip on gravel, tear-up Tarmac and scorch through the snow, these drivers have to be adaptable and fast everywhere. But who’s the best of the best, and how to decide?
You could just go with the statistics, but we’ve decided to dig a little deeper and look behind the numbers to come up with our top ten. Favouritism might play a part too. To keep things as consistent, however, we’ve only picked drivers who’ve competed since the WRC’s official inception in 1979. So, do you agree with our choices, and if not who would be your picks? Let us know in the comments below.
Sebastien Ogier - Wins: 50 World titles: 7
He hasn’t as many victories or WRC championships as the other Seb, but the ones he has achieved have arguably been even more richly deserved. As soon as he went toe-to-toe with Loeb at Citroen it was clear Ogier was the real deal, and he remains one of the few to beat the elder Frenchman in a straight fight in equal machinery.
Blisteringly quick on every surface and possessed of an uncanny ability to look after his tyres even when setting fastest times, Ogier also has a ferocious work ethic that leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of perfection. Titles in the all-conquering Volkswagen Polo were expected, but his two crowns won in the private M-Sport Ford Fiesta against the factory might of Hyundai and Toyota best demonstrate the abilities of his exceptional talent.
Perhaps more worryingly for the competition is the fact he’s not quite finished yet. Yes, 2021 will be his last year before retirement, but it’d be a brave person that best against him leaving with an eighth crown perched on his head.
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This list is so incomplete, it is painful for me to read it.
How you can ignore the likes of Hannu Mikkola, Stig Blomqvist (the original 'Stig') and Ari Vatanen, in favour of Markku Alen and Richard Burns is beyond me.
Henri Toivonen would also surely have been in that top 10 other than for his unfortunate demise that meant the end for Group B rallying.
Also, mention must surely be made of great British drivers like Paddy Hopkirk and Roger Clark who set landmarks in rallying history.
I agree Bimfan!
As a huge fan of Vatanen I am biased, but he was the most spectacular driver to watch (shit or bust style). McRae had a similar appeal,
Hannu is a very obvious omission, and I would also offer Michele Mouton too.
Bjorn Waldegard, was a great all rounder, I am sure his Porsche skills (not the easiest or most forgiving loose surface car), made him such a stunning Stratos driver. Munari and Alen also.
Roger Clark deserves to be in the list too (as does Hopkirk) I guess this is pre WRC though.