World RX – Loeb betrayed by his transmission

Sébastien Loeb made a promising debut in World RX by finishing in fifth place in the Montalegre Final (Portugal) won by Petter Solberg (DS 3). The pilot Peugeot believes that he could have made the podium if he had not encountered a transmission problem.

Despite this mechanical problem, the Peugeot driver seems delighted by the discipline. “The atmosphere is really nice in Rallycross with the presence of many spectators. It’s a pleasure, especially as the car is powerful and very pleasant to drive”, commented the nine-time world champion WRC.

“This discipline is really not easy! You really have to be on the lookout all the time, in all rounds! Sometimes, like the others, I made small mistakes, including one that cost me dearly in the fourth qualifying round. But I'm doing well. I had a good semi-final which allowed me to qualify for the final, which was not a foregone conclusion”, added the Alsatian.

His compatriot Davy Jeanney finished in 11th place after failing in the semi-finals.

“I’m still quite positive”, underlined the Frenchman. “We had a pretty bad start to the weekend. I wasn't really at my good pace at the start and the car wasn't really to my liking. We managed to improve the situation to the point of qualifying for the semi-final. There, I found a good rhythm and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it didn't go as planned. A competitor went across in front of me and blocked me while I was in a position to take third position and therefore a place in the final. »

Discover the report of the World RX in Montalegre in issue 2059 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.