Sébastien Loeb Interviewed: “I am indeed delighted”

Three rallies, six points. Sébastien Loeb’s quest is far from over. In the Land of the Rising Sun, he will still need to beat Marcus Grönholm to avoid a too challenging British campaign.

You just closed six of the ten points separating you from Marcus Grönholm. Satisfied?

« I am indeed delighted to have successfully won Spain and Corsica in succession. It was not a guaranteed victory. Everyone considered us favorites, but these two events were not as easy as they might seem. We really had to fight for those victories! Before the two asphalt rallies, I needed to win the five scheduled rallies. After Corsica, I still need to win three more. I’ve gotten closer, but the challenge remains as difficult as ever. The margin for error, for him as well as for us, is zero. »

Japan wasn’t one of your favorite events. Did the 2006 victory change anything?

The past year, upon arrival, people mostly talked to me about my 27th global success, while with Daniel, we focused on the manner in which we had conquered it. The battle had been of rare intensity, especially on the last day. I consider this victory among my finest. In hindsight, and after the mountain biking accident I suffered, one might say that it was wise to have given everything to win. The two points we scored saved us from having to return at the end of the 2006 season. Does this make the Japan rally more pleasant in my view? Maybe? No one enjoys getting up very early or driving for hours to compete in special stages. Fortunately, they hold interest. What is especially surprising there is the change of scenery and the welcome from the public.

Is your goal another victory?

Considering the number of events we have left to compete in after Japan and the gap that exists before this round, we have no other choice. We must try to get ahead of Marcus Grönholm. If we manage to secure a win, and even if he finishes second, we will keep our chances for the title. Of course, they will be greater if he finishes beyond that position. I know it won’t be easy, as our opponent is fast on this terrain. We will try to put pressure on him while being careful not to make any mistakes.

According to the WRC