Mont-Blanc Rally – Sébastien Loeb in ambush

When they immobilized their Peugeot 306 Maxi on the podium marking the end of the first stage of the 73^e rally of Mont-Blanc, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena received a standing ovation from the large audience who came especially for them. Throughout the day, the nine-time world champions were able to measure their popularity at the service park or on the side of the roads. Having not driven the lioness since Var 2017 and not having any reference against the latest Rally2s, the Alsatian was not too surprised by his 9^e time in SS1 15.1 behind the winner. Never letting up their effort, seeking to exploit the qualities of their car to the maximum, the two friends who met again after the separation episode in a rally raid, have managed to extract the quintessence of this Kit-Car dating from the 90s.

« I don't spare her, he smiled during the mid-day regroup, but it's the only solution! » In addition to the gap in performance and efficiency was added a lack of knowledge of the terrain which did not always allow the duo to fully express themselves. This handicap not being present on the 12,40 km of the SS6 (Draillant-Fessy) which was less well known by the rest of the competitors, Loeb let his talent speak for itself. On a road made more slippery in places by the rain, the 306 Maxi, which is now black, scored a superb 3^e time. This allows Sébastien Loeb to be this evening 6^e just 6s from 3^e place. The resumption of the same stages tomorrow will perhaps offer the former world champions the opportunity to seek a podium, which would delight the many fans gathered in Morzine.