Sébastien Loeb: “I didn’t really know where I was”

Winner in San Juan de Marcona, Sébastien Loeb admitted at the finish that he had not been able to place himself in the hierarchy throughout the day, hence his relative surprise regarding his best time.

Published on 09/01/2019 à 08:28

⁰ View comments)

Sébastien Loeb: “I didn’t really know where I was”

For the first real stage of the Dakar 2019 yesterday, between Pisco and San Juan de Marcona, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena reminded the entire peloton that his status as a private driver would clearly not prevent him from winning.

Après une mise en jambes prudente lundi, le nouveau pilote Hyundai en WRC went on the attack yesterday, without having to make a mark in the Peruvian sand. Always well placed at the start of the special, the Alsatian took control at WP4 after the problems of Stéphane Peterhansel (Mini), stuck for many minutes in a dune.

"We tried to attack, Loeb told France TV at the bivouac. It was a long stage, not easy, with dunes... a bit of everything. We didn't make any mistakes and the car worked well, and so did Daniel!

In the rhythm, I didn't really know where I was, I only caught one car starting 13th. So I said to myself, I'm not in the right rhythm, it's not a good sign and finally, I was sandwiched between two fast cars and we drove all the way with the surprise of having the best time. »

Sébastien Loeb promised to attack today, he kept his promises! It will open the track for the 3rd stage! # Dakar2019 pic.twitter.com/igmYpZiAUa

- France tv sport (@francetvsport) 8th January 2019

Une première victoire d’étape sur ce Dakar 2019, sa onzième au total sur l’épreuve, qui permet à Loeb de revenir au 5e rang du classement général, désormais dominé par Giniel de Villiers (Toyota). The Peugeot 3008 DKR operated by PH Sport will be the first to set off this Wednesday towards Arequipa, on a special where navigation will be important. Which did not fail to offer a new opportunity for Daniel Elena to joke on social networks with Mathieu Baumel.

And a special dune Not easy but we didn't make a mistake. Tomorrow, it will be up to us to open: we promise @matthieubaumel, we will make as beautiful a mark as you today #Dakar #Redbull #Bardahl pic.twitter.com/QOH8fIbWix

— Daniel Elena (@DanosElena) January 8, 2019

“We really didn't want to open yesterday because the cars were leaving in front, recalls Sébastien Loeb on this subject. Today, there are the motorcycles in front, and we will have their trace, and overall we draw a lot of inspiration from them. Daniel is motivated, he does the right thing. »