Loeb: “We fight to the second”

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4), winner of the Rally from Mexico during his last three visits, appreciates the event taking the roads around Leon. The Frenchman feels good on these lands. “ There are some great special stages, very fast at times. It’s a rally that I like », confirms the six-time World Champion.

The transition from the cold of Sweden to the heat of Mexico, even with the altitude, does not worry the Citroën driver, confident in his qualities of adaptation to the climatic conditions and the terrain. “ Today, we always drive fairly clean, whether we have power or not. The difference here is that we have less difficulty passing the horses and we have to manage less traction when exiting the corner. But otherwise we drive the same way. »

Sébastien Loeb will have an advantage on Friday, during the first day of the Rally, since he will leave his traditional opening position to Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus), championship leader. “ This is the type of terrain where it must be taken into account because the first passages can be difficult. »

The Frenchman even thinks that Hirvonen?s opening position, due to the sweep, could save him a few precious tenths. “ The gap between first and second may not be huge but, today, with Hirvonen, we are fighting for second when we are on equal terms. A little difference? can therefore make a difference. »

If, in 2009, Sébastien Loeb won the first five rallies of the year, this season he must face increased competition from Ford drivers, starting with Mikko Hirvonen. “ They missed their start to the season last year, confirms Loeb. But this year, they were ready from the start. There, we continue with duels like that of Great Britain last year. » On the identity of his rivals, the Frenchman does not hesitate. “ It is mainly Hirvonen. Sordo too. They will be the fastest here, or maybe even Latvala. »

The Mexican event will kick off on Friday morning, with the start of SS1 at 14:48 p.m. (French time). Nine special stages are on the program for this first day, including two super special stages, with the leaders expected to arrive around 23:15 p.m.