Sébastien Loeb: “The car seems easier than last year”

Fifth in 2016, and winner of a single round in Latvia, for his discovery of the discipline, the nine-time world rally champion inevitably aspires to better for this second season. At the wheel of a Peugeot 208 which has clearly evolved.

Published on 29/03/2017 à 14:09

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Sébastien Loeb: “The car seems easier to me than last year”

You carried out three test sessions in Lessay (Manche), Mettet (Belgium) and Lydden Hill (Great Britain) with your new Peugeot 208 Supercar. What are your first impressions ?

It's better overall. If we compare it to last year's car, there are still quite a few things that have changed. If only at the body level. There is a bit of weight reduction, and it is also linked to the widening of the trains.

We also have longer shock absorbers which allow us to work better over more travel, as well as a new engine, which is not only lighter, because it is made of aluminum, but which also seems to work better. We won horses and torque. The car seems easier to me than last year, rather well balanced at first glance. Everything is a little better, I think, I hope so!

But we weren't looking for a second and a half per lap either... One of the important parameters in rallycross, it's the start. However, I have the impression that we are a little better in the take-off phase, also due to different gear ratios.

Discover the full interview with Sébastien Loeb and our presentation of the 2017 World Rallycross Championship season in issue 2107 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.