A meeting of motorsport stars. One on two wheels, the other on four. Volkswagen driver Sébastien Ogier (F) has been on Sardinia testing with the Polo R WRC. Shortly before the Rally Italy (11–14 June), he received a visit from MotoGP star Andrea Dovizioso (I), who races for Ducati Corse in the World Motorcycle Championship. The 29-year old Italian was accompanied by his girlfriend Alessandra Rossi and Paolo Ciabatti, Sporting Director at Ducati Corse.

The highlight for Dovizioso came when the rally fan took his place alongside the double World Rally Champion, replacing Julien Ingrassia in the co-driver seat. Ogier then cranked it up to race speed on the gravel roads around Olbia in the northeast of Sardinia. The Ducati rider, currently third in the World Championship, was impressed by his trip out. “You have no idea of how extreme it is, how fast they go in the narrow roads and how powerful these cars are. To be honest, it is the most charged-up and incredible thing I have ever done, by a long shot – MotoGP is nothing compared to this!”

Ogier was thus able to return a favour, after Dovizioso had invited him and his wife Andrea Kaiser to Mugello (I) a week ahead of the MotoGP race, where he offered the pair an exclusive insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the Ducati team. “I love MotoGP and really enjoyed my visit,” said Ogier. “I’ve always had a lot a lot of respect for the riders’ skills and since Mugello I have had even more respect. The speed is impressive just to watch, it’s hard to imagine what it must be like on the motorcycle. The taxi ride was my way of thanking Andrea for the invitation. And I’m pleased that he enjoyed it!”

The Rally Italy will take place on Sardinia from 11 to 14 June. Sébastien Ogier and Volkswagen lead the World Championship ahead of the event. Victory for Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia would be their third in a row at the Rally Italy. On the same weekend, the seventh championship event of the MotoGP will be held in Barcelona (Spain).