Sébastien Loeb explains his retirement from the Acropolis Rally

Sébastien's apparent relaxation Loeb (M-Sport Ford) au soir de la première étape du Rally of the Acropolis 2022 (Greece) gave way to the mask of spite this Saturday, September 10 at the start of the second stage.

However, the Frenchman had just increased his lead at the head of the event to 19 seconds over Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). Mais sa Ford Puma Rally1 hybride décidait de ne plus avancer. “We had just reached the end of the special when an alarm went off, explains the nine-time world rally champion (WRC). It indicated that the battery was empty. The car then stopped. »

Acropolis Rally ❌

We regained the lead this morning at the head of the rally after a good SS8… before the mechanics decided otherwise on the road leading us to the next one 😢 #WRC #AcropolisRally #MSPORTERS #Redbull #SFR #RichardMille pic.twitter.com/EKZRhZiXZm

- Sébastien Loeb (@SebastienLoeb) September 10, 2022

The alternator belt has failed. But the worst is to come: neither Sébastien Loeb nor his co-driver Isabelle Galmiche are able to reach the wreckage site. Impossible to replace the belt while the time to get to the next stage passes, too quickly. “We're trying to fix it, we probably can, but I don't know if the Ford can start again even if the belt is changed. In any case, it's too late, the time allowed before the next special stage has long passed, there is no need to rush for today. »

The Alsatian could only be sorry for this abandonment caused by a lack of practicality of his car. His team principal Richard Millener was also without a solution. “There are a lot of things in cramped spaces in the car. Unfortunately, he did not have access to the damaged area. The time between stages 8 and 9 was very tight, so the slightest problem was going to take on enormous proportions.

It's a huge disappointment for the team, everyone has worked hard. Sébastien maintained the fighting spirit of the team. We will continue this weekend but it is very disappointing to see this. Especially after what Sébastien had just accomplished in SS8! Seeing the problems of the other competitors, we could have enjoyed a comfortable lead at the break (Saturday afternoon)."

Sébastien Loeb and Isabelle Galmiche should leave on Sunday morning subject to a heavy time penalty.

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