New Zealand: Ogier ahead of Loeb

Eight special stages, six best times? And what better times! Sebastian Loeb offered a very high level show today on the roads of Rally from New Zealand. Over the course of the scratches, the superlatives followed one another. So much so that many followers wonder if the Alsatian had ever been so impressive throughout his eight full seasons in WRC !

Delayed by 1?40?? yesterday noon, Sébastien Loeb had no other option than to attack relentlessly to erase his deficit. His exceptional performance eclipses the performance of Sébastien Ogier.

Always more competitive, Sébastien Ogier took the lead of the rally upon the arrival of the first special stage this morning. The Citroën Junior Team driver was then the fastest, except Sébastien Loeb, and managed to push Jari-Matti Latvala back to 33??2. But the incredible Loeb came back 5?3 from first place.

The Citroën Junior Team not having chosen the New Zealand Rally to score points in the constructors' standings, Sébastien Ogier would not take any points from "the great team" Citroën by finishing ahead of Loeb tomorrow afternoon. A sufficient excuse not to give any instructions in favor of the world champion. “There are no instructions at the moment,” confirms Ogier. “Tomorrow we will continue to attack. You never know, he might make a mistake. And we can make a mistake. The third day will be long. The other drivers know these roads that I will discover and we will start in first position. It’s quite a challenge! »

As for Loeb, he judged his performance with a smile: “We had the worst days! I think we couldn't have done better. We attacked from start to finish and we didn?t make any mistakes. It's perfect. »

Two loops of two special stages (including the famous Whangaa Coast) for 80 timed kilometers are to be covered tomorrow.