Staying with the British squad next year remains Ogier’s preferred option, but only if M-Sport can demonstrate the wherewithal to continue to fight the manufacturer teams either via Ford’s return to the WRC or by landing a major backer.

While admitting he'd like to remain with M-Sport in 2018, Ogier has also made it clear he wants his future decided by September. Such a timetable makes Wilson’s task of future-proofing a 2018 world title bid with the Frenchman even more difficult.

Wilson told Motorsport.com: “I will explore every avenue to keep him with us. Basically, we’ll do whatever we can for as long as we can to keep him.

"Seb knows that, I’ve been very open with him and I’ve shown him all the plans and all the work we’re doing towards 2018. There’s no doubting the commitment we’ve made to him this year, and him to us, and I’m doing all I can to keep that going.

"I appreciate he wants to get things sorted as early as possible and I’ll keep working for as long as I can.”

Since his move to M-Sport ahead of this season, Ogier won on his debut in a Ford Fiesta WRC and has remained at the top of the table for all but one event.

Asked about his future, Ogier told Motorsport.com last month: “I cannot wait for October or November like last year. I am thinking about next year now and it’s no secret that I want to continue in good conditions.”

Alternative options

Should Ogier be unable to find those good conditions at M-Sport, he looks to face opportunities limited to just two of the three WRC manufacturers.

Hyundai team principal Michel Nandan told Motorsport.com there was no room for Ogier in his team.

Nandan said: “I can’t [sign him next season] because there’s no space [in the team]. My drivers are all contracted until the end of 2018, so unfortunately it’s a no for Sebastien Ogier here.”

Citroen team principal Yves Matton doesn’t want to discuss the finer points of his driver line-up for next season, but the French firm already has Kris Meeke, Craig Breen and Stephane Lefebvre under contract.

Motorsport.com understands Citroen could accommodate Ogier next season, but whether his wage demands could be met is another matter.

Toyota, however, would be able to maintain Ogier’s current salary and some see the Yaris WRC as the most likely destination for him. Curiously, such a move receives only a lukewarm response within the Puuppola-based team.

One insider told Motorsport.com: “Everybody would want Ogier, buy him and you are buying an lot of points and some big, big performances, but the team is settled right now. Would Jari-Matti [Latvala] relish the chance to work with Ogier again? Who knows, but I’d doubt it.

"Tommi has a team around him that he’s very happy with and, much as Sebastien would be great, there’s a feeling that it could also upset the balance a little.”

Ogier’s former Volkswagen teammate Andreas Mikkelsen’s presence on the market isn’t helping the defending champion’s pursuit of a financially agreeable deal, but it appears Ott Tanak tops Toyota’s shopping list for next season.

“He’s free to talk to them,” said Wilson, “but I want to keep him next season.

"I’ve been investing in Ott since 2012 – I can’t think of another driver that I’ve put so much into or given so many chances. I’m not going to give that up easily.”

If Ogier does depart the Cumbrian team, Wilson admitted Tanak and Elfyn Evans would remain at the heart of his plans for 2018 and beyond.