Loeb: “I remain on my guard”

Sébastien Loeb, second in the world championship, will return to Mexico with pleasure. Triple reigning winner of the event (2006 to 2008), the Frenchman is satisfied to find a country where the passion for rally grows from year to year. “ I have participated in all the editions since the integration of the event into the WRC in 2004. , says the six-time world champion. The first years, there weren't many people. Then people became interested in our discipline and today it is one of the most popular rounds of the season. »

In addition, this Rally of Mexico will also be an opportunity for Sébastien Loeb to come back to Mikko Hirvonen. Beaten by the Ford driver in Sweden, the Frenchman wants to take his destiny back into his own hands. “ We can't say that the season started badly with a second place in Sweden, but I'm not going to let Mikko Hirvonen take off in the general classification. A victory would allow me to reset the counters. »

Hindered by a poor choice of tires in Sweden, the six-time world champion returns to terrain he likes. “ The course is interesting in terms of driving. The special stages are not very difficult and we find a summary of all the difficulties, with very fast portions, winding, “skies”? Our C4 WRC will be very comfortable on this terrain, which we know well. »

However, despite his three Mexican victories, Sébastien Loeb does not want to be excessively optimistic, due to the quality of his opponents, whose appetite for success is growing. “ I remain on my guard because it has now been six months since we last raced in such conditions. Mikko Hirvonen has made a lot of progress recently and he will start with confidence and motivation. Last year, he lost the title by one point and I know he won't want to give up this year! I also believe Dani (Sordo) capable of a great performance again. With a little less experience than Mikko, he follows the same progression curve. He legitimately wants to reveal himself and win. »

Before starting the Rally Mexico, Sébastien Loeb will take part in two reconnaissance days on Tuesday and Wednesday. The start of the rally will be given on Friday, at 7 a.m. (Mexican time), knowing that there is a time difference of seven hours with France.