Loeb will not aim for victory in Great Britain

Sébastien Loeb has not participated in the Rally of Great Britain since 2005, but the Frenchman, for the last race of the season, will only need to secure a 5th place finish to win his 4th consecutive title if Gronholm takes the victory.

In 2006, Loeb did not participate in the event due to an injury to his left arm. The Citroën driver may therefore be at a disadvantage compared to his direct competitors, but he prefers not to think about it and remains optimistic.

« We will aim for the 6 points for 5th place, which will allow us to win the title; we don’t need to win at all costs », Loeb said.

« If Marcus were to win, I would need to finish at least in fifth place to secure the title. This would put us in a perfect tie, but with a greater number of victories to our name [Daniel Elena and Sébastien Loeb], we would also have the title. »

« We will therefore find a rhythm that allows us to finish in the top five. I’m not thrilled about driving here, but given the stakes, it simply makes sense… »

The three-time world champion does not want to bet on victory, despite never having won this rally; an honorable placement will be enough.

« Unless the rally holds a big surprise for us, we probably won’t add our name to the list of winners this time. I don’t even really want to. It will somehow be our challenge for 2008 along with the Finland rally… »

Without Gronholm next year, the Frenchman may indeed have fewer rivals to win a new title and therefore new victories.

« Now, I know that I do not know the stages of the rally, this can be a disadvantage but I hope it will go well. Considering the result in New Zealand [in the same situation], I think it should be fine. »

The Loeb family has just grown with the arrival of Valentine Loeb on Monday. Everyone is doing well, but Sébastien Loeb will have a new reason to want to clinch the title… to celebrate the arrival of his new daughter. See you on Thursday.