Loeb: “Always in touch”

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4), best time in the Karlstad super special this Friday evening, is only six seconds from the lead of the Rally of Sweden, occupied by Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus). Leader after the first 61 km loop in the morning, the Frenchman was less comfortable in the afternoon, achieving worse times than his rival for the title, Mikko Hirvonen. Not knowing where to pinpoint the reasons for his slowdown in the afternoon, the Frenchman was not sure that his position as opener had served him badly.

« Maybe I sweep a little or maybe he's faster, confided the six-time world champion at the end of SS7. I don't know. Sweden has always been a difficult rally for me, especially on the second runs. For the moment, the result is not bad. I'm still in contact and happy to fight with Mikko again. »

For his part, Mikko Hirvonen is happy with how the day went. Initially left behind in the morning, the Finn regained control of the event in the afternoon, even though he knows that nothing is won. “ Since the last stage of the morning, we have found the rhythm to adopt. We don?t have much headway. We must continue to attack. »

Third, Dani Sordo (Citroën C4) is not far from the leading men. The Spanish driver is therefore a solid candidate for the podium, and even for one of the first two places. He was therefore happy with the appearance of this first stage. “ It was a good day. I have a good feeling with the car and I am confident. We'll see what happens tomorrow. »

This Saturday, for the second stage of the Swedish Rally, eight special stages are on the program, for a total of 118 km.