Sébastien Loeb “literally enjoyed the 306”

He didn't miss much Sébastien Loeb to conclude another exceptional performance this weekend at Rally du Var, last round of the French Rally Championship. Behind the wheel of the “old” Peugeot 306 Maxi, the nine-time world champion, largely animated and played at the forefront of the event.

Fighting for victory against the Ford Fiesta WRC by David Salanon, the Peugeot Sport driver seemed set to make a “comeback” to close his 16″ gap at the start of the last day, but an engine failure ruined his hopes in the penultimate timed sector, while 'he was back to less than 5″ of the leader.

Despite this unfortunate ending, Loeb admits to being more than satisfied with his weekend. “The objective was above all to have fun, aboard a car that made Daniel and I dream at the start of our careers, emphasizes Loeb.

Despite the abandonment, we can say that it was successful. I prefer that this happened at the end of the race rather than at the beginning. In the meantime, we at least had time to please the fans, and we literally had a blast aboard the 306 Maxi.

You have to take serious care of it to make times, but the sensations it provides are exhilarating! It was all the more pleasant as we were in the match for victory.

After losing time yesterday on the bumpy surface of the Pignans special, we went on the attack again this morning and the match would have been fun until the end. But that's part of the race: we will now repair it to start again better. »

Sébastien Loeb's next objectives in 2018 must include the Dakar and the World RX with Peugeot Sport.

Discover the report of the Rallye du Var, in issue 2142 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.