Sébastien Loeb at the start of the Safari Rally

In 2002, during what had been the last inscription of the Safari in the calendar of the WRC before his return last year, Sébastien Loeb had participated in the event at the wheel of an Xsara. Even today, the Alsatian speaks of this edition with a smile. “ Kenya is pretty incredible, he enthuses. It’s one of the rallies I have the most fond memories of. 20 years ago it was very different. The longest stage was 120km and we all had a helicopter above our cars announcing to all the wildlife that we were approaching. Now it looks more like a classic round. » Within Citroën Sport, he won 3 times and he could have claimed a very good final place, if he had not been slowed down by suspension problems.

©DPPI/F. Baudin

Cette année, Sébastien Loeb exploitera pour la troisième fois de l’année la Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1. A son volant, il a remporté le Monte-Carlo en janvier et il a été le seul pilote M-Sport à se mettre en valeur au Portugal où il a gagné une spéciale et occupé la tête. Que peut-il espérer dans la région de Naivasha où va se dérouler la 6^e round of the championship (June 22-26)? “ I'm really happy to go, He explains. It was positive to check that we were competitive on gravel in Porto. However, we know that it will not be easy because unlike Portugal I have no experience of the course. It's always much more complicated when we arrive at a rally where we have never covered a single kilometer before. »

Back in for 🇰🇪! @SebastienLoeb will compete on @wrcsafarirally With @MSportLtd in a Ford Puma 🐈‍⬛ Hybrid 🔋 Rally1 🤩!#MSPORTERS #WRC #FordPerformance #GivesYouWings pic.twitter.com/U3MfqgYlIk

- M-Sport (@MSportLtd) May 27, 2022

Reappearing on the program last year, the event no longer has anything in common with what was practiced in the 80s and 90s. The condition of the paths and the presence of animals, however, allow it to retain a part of the unknown which could work in Sébastien Loeb's favor. Richard Millener, Malcolm Wilson's right-hand man, is very satisfied with this participation: “ The team is delighted to find Seb and Isabelle at one of the most emblematic events of the season, declares the team manager. Between Monte-Carlo and the time he was there in Portugal, Sébastien demonstrated what he was capable of with the Puma. It's always fantastic to have him with us. This creates a special atmosphere in the service park. His drive and motivation is unparalleled and is something we all thrive on. » As in Monte-Carlo or Portugal, Sébastien Loeb will find his compatriot Sébastien Ogier, but this will be their very first confrontation in Kenya.

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