Rally GB: Loeb, the big day

Sébastien Loeb (Citroën C4) did the hardest on Saturday, increasing his gap from five to thirty seconds over his rival, Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Focus). The latter, without knowing why, fell back significantly in SS8 and SS9, seeing the Frenchman consolidate his leading position. So, before starting this third and final day, the Citroën driver gave a very positive assessment of this Welsh Saturday.

« It was a great second stage, especially in two stages where we made a big difference, noted Loeb. After the first (special, SS7), where I got back a little and where we found ourselves two seconds ahead in the general standings, I said to myself that I really had to do something. I tried everything in the next one. I managed to get into a better rhythm than the others. »

But, despite his lead, the five-time world champion knows that he is not immune to a hard blow and prefers to remain on his guard. “ This is not an easy situation. We have thirty seconds, everyone says "it's done" except that seen from the inside, it's not the same. You have to stay focused. To avoid wasting too much time, you must continue to attack. And when we attack, we take risks. »

However, with thirty seconds in advance and four special stages to go, Sébastien Loeb can see it coming and aim for a sixth world champion crown. “ It's not looking too bad but it has to last until the end. It?s not played. We saw that the rallies were never finished before the end. You have to stay focused and do everything to make it last until the end. »

This Sunday, four special stages are on the program, for a total of nearly 80 kilometers. The arrival of the two rivals for the world title at the end of the last special is scheduled for 13:15 p.m.