Loeb is optimistic! Winning the last 4 rallies is doable

Five events and ten points to catch up. The task is not easy for Sébastien Loeb, but the high proportion of asphalt at the end of the season will be a good advantage for the Citroën driver. He will also be assisted by Xevi Pons, François Duval, and his teammate Dani Sordo to take points from Gronholm.

Three weeks ago, we remember, Loeb finished second in the New Zealand rally just 0.3 seconds behind Gronholm. A second place that felt bittersweet, but the Citroen driver remains optimistic. “I’m not the type to dwell on things and it’s not the worst memory of the year. I prefer to finish with such a small gap rather than being a minute behind, without knowing why or without ever having the chance to defend myself. In New Zealand, the battle with Marcus Grönholm was incredibly intense. We do rallying to experience moments like that. I also remember how it all unfolded. Except when we didn’t have the most suitable tires and on the last day when we were the only ones to encounter rain, we were always able to compete. The Citroën C4 WRC proved to be remarkably performant, which demonstrates that the hard work of the entire team is paying off. We know that, potentially, we are capable of trying to win all the remaining rounds. Considering our situation in the Championship, it’s important.”

« It would be wrong to say that we only perform well on tarmac. In previous seasons, and again this year, we have also been successful on dirt. Why are we so competitive on asphalt? I don’t believe there is a secret, and if there is one, we’ll try to keep it for a few more years! Maybe the Finns, who constantly manage to be on the edge on dirt, find it harder to do so on tarmac, while it’s easier, more natural for me, » continues the 33-year-old man.

Loeb loves Spain and its roads, but that doesn’t mean he will be admiring the scenery. The Frenchman wants to secure a 4th title, and for that, a win is necessary this weekend. It’s always nice to come to Spain. It’s a beautiful rally with lovely roads that require a circuit-like driving style that is not found in other events on this surface. There are strong grips, and one must be meticulous and precise with their trajectories. Those are the positive aspects. However, I appreciate less the deep cuts that appear on the second round. To avoid veering off track, we have to dive into them, which I don’t like. The edge is sometimes high and, when returning to the road, it causes a jolt and risks damaging the car, a rim, or the tires. The goal will be to try to win, hoping that competitors place between us and Marcus.