Loeb has found the “right” rhythm… for the moment at least

Sébastien Loeb admitted yesterday that he had to find a pace that was neither too fast nor too slow to secure a 4th consecutive title. Currently, before the end of the first stage, the Frenchman is succeeding in his gamble by negotiating his rally in third place.

« The beginning of the race was very difficult with a lot of fog over more than half of the first stage as well as in the second, » says the Citroën driver.

« We had to be extra cautious. There were many changes in grip and mud was everywhere in SS3. For now, we are respecting the guidelines we set for ourselves. »

The Frenchman indeed had to find the ‘right’ pace to be fast enough not to fall behind and slow enough not to take too many risks and jeopardize his title… « I think the pace we found this morning is the right one. It combines speed and caution. We must now try to maintain it for the loop ahead. It won’t be easy with additional mud brought onto the road by passing cars, possibly more fog, and the darkness that will start to fall. Caution will be key. »

« I haven’t attacked hard for the moment, I’m staying focused and trying to stay on the track! », added Loeb. « I’m particularly focusing on my braking… »

« My situation is a bit frustrating, but it is more important for me to win the championship here than the rally. »

Before the final stage of the day, which comprises 6 stages, Sébastien Loeb is in third position, thus in the top 5, 28 seconds behind Mikko Hirvonen, who is first, and 3 seconds behind Gronholm.