Ignition specialist NGK is celebrating the success of the NGK-sponsored M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s reigning World champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia as they secured their sixth FIA World Rally Championship for drivers and co-drivers, coming out on top after a dramatic final-day showdown at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

The duo retained the championship to win after one of the most exciting competitions in years with their speed, determination and outstanding team spirit all contributing to another very successful year. NGK Spark Plugs is a partner of the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, whose Fiestas are fitted with NGK spark plugs and NTK Lambda sensors, and the team hosted specific NGK customers at this season’s WRC legs in Sardinia and Catalunya.

NGK Marketing Manager, Mark Hallam, said, “We are delighted that Sébastien and Julien have retained their WRC titles and are proud to be associated with the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s success. The championship has ebbed and flowed throughout the 2018 season and has been followed avidly by WRC enthusiasts, many of whose own vehicles are fitted with NGK components.”

Team principal, Malcolm Wilson said, “It’s been an emotional day and I can tell you that this championship really does mean a lot. Two months ago, it wasn’t looking good, but when you have Sébastien and Julien in your team you know that anything is possible.”

Sébastien Ogier said: “It’s been an incredible season and the fight has been so close. Not so long ago we thought it was going to be difficult to take the title again, but we never gave up. We gave it everything and had such an amazing team around us. I am so proud of all of them and of course I want to thank Malcolm for another amazing job. What we achieved together over the past two years has been really special, and I am very proud of that.”