Loeb, Elena, Ford and others rewarded

It was this Friday that Loeb/Elena and the representatives of Ford BP received their world champion trophy at the traditional FIA awards ceremony in Monaco. The F1, WRC, and FIA GT champions were also crowned there.

“It’s simply fabulous to win this fourth championship,” commented Citroën driver Sébastien Loeb. “It was the most difficult, but we succeeded. For me, the first one holds a special flavor. This fourth title comes second. The level was very high thanks to Marcus. We really had to fight in all the races, all season, to win.”

« I am very happy to win this title for the entire Citroën team, which has shown its competitiveness with a new car. It is also a pleasure to win for Guy Fréquelin, our boss, who is retiring at the end of the month. Daniel and I want to thank him for everything he has done for us and the team. »

Second, Marcus Grönholm did not succeed in marking his name on the trophy for the third time before retiring from sports: « It was the most exciting season in a long time. The title was decided in the last event. I will remember the New Zealand Rally when the rally was decided by 0″3 after three days of all-out attack. There’s nothing better. »

« I am very happy to be in Monaco for this reception. This is the last time I am here as a driver, » continues the Finn. « I must admit that it is an emotional moment for me. »

To receive the trophy for the best team, Malcolm Wilson, head of M-Sport, and John Fleming, President of Ford Europe, made the trip: « Winning the World Rally Championship, the most competitive event for cars based on production models, is an achievement we are very proud of, » explains the Ford boss. « I was able to make several trips to the events this season, I saw the blood, sweat, and tears that led us to this success. »

Being World Champion requires many qualities, talent, discipline, communication. All of this is found in the work of a team. I am very proud that the whole team came together to win this second consecutive title and add a new chapter to the great history of motorsports at Ford!

This concludes a great 2007 season while 2008 has already begun. The first tests took place last week.

According to a statement from the FIA