Sébastien Loeb: “I have never been so careful not to puncture”

Sixths in today's loop around Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena conceded more than 13′ on the winner Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota), author of a second success in two stages on this Dakar 2021 in Saudi Arabia.

If the Frenchman admits to having lost his way slightly at the end of the course, it was once again the punctures which slowed down the Loeb – Elena tandem.

“A small navigation error cost us 3 minutes and the three punctures cost 5 minutes,” confided the Alsatian. We are not very far but not quite ahead. The problem is that I die trying to be super careful. I've never been so careful not to die.

Until now, as soon as there was a track, I climbed up everything I could. Now I can't attack anymore. In a straight line, everyone rides the same way. As soon as it's more technical with gravel and stones along the side of the path, it's hot.

I drive stationary for fear of a puncture. As soon as I see a rock, I put the wheels and the car straight. »

Asked about a possible problem with the tires, Sébastien Loeb recalls that he is using two specifications of BF Goodrich rubber on this Dakar. “We had the 2020 tires today, but yesterday we tried the 2021 developments from BF Goodrich.

We don't have enough 2021 tires to compete all the time. rally. They're supposed to be stronger. As it was a sand stage today, we chose the 2020. In any case with the buggy, I didn't have this problem.

With the buggy, I didn't care, I went wherever I wanted. Now, as soon as I see a rock, I do everything to avoid it, even if it means getting off the track and going through the camel grass. As long as I have a spare wheel, I want to drive properly, but after the 3rd puncture, I no longer want to take so many risks. »