Loeb: Points before victory

Sébastien Loeb prepares to compete Rally of Finland where he won in 2008. The Citroën driver, second in the Acropolis Rally, now has a 17-point lead over Mikko Hirvonen (Ford) and 22 over his team-mate Sébastien Ogier, last winner in Greece.

On the grounds of the Flying Finns, Sébastien Loeb knows that the event will be particularly competitive. “We will face highly motivated competition, ready to defend their territory”, recalls the Alsatian. “Titles at the end of the season remain the priority. Victory in Finland is not an absolute goal. Depending on my feelings, I will see where to place the attack cursor. So far, I feel very comfortable on dirt with the DS3 WRC. If this feeling is confirmed in Finland, can that give me a little extra confidence? »

However, the seven-time World Champion does not hide the fact that the 1000 Lakes Rally is not an event that he particularly likes. “It’s not the terrain I prefer. For me, isn't it on these roads that driving is most natural? On the other hand, the Finns are more comfortable there. They probably feel like they are taking fewer risks in an environment that they know perfectly. I remember that I had to ?unpin? 200% to win this rally. »