Sébastien Loeb talks about his retirement at the end of 2011

Sébastien Loeb, who has just published a biography retracing his career, knows that the end of his career is approaching, and is thinking about it. The question was often asked to him in 2009, before Citroën announced an extension of his contract for two years, until the end of the 2011 season. If the Frenchman had an option allowing him to stop at the end of 2010, the Chevron firm confirmed its tricolor duo Sébastien Loeb this summer? Sébastien Ogier.

It is also the increasingly strong competition from the latter which could push the six-time World Champion to reconsider his future in WRC if he were to be beaten regularly by his compatriot. “ I would tell myself that it is not worth taking reckless risks to try to follow him. But he is not the one who will end my career. It is I who will make this decision, and it will undoubtedly be at the end of the 2011 season. », he confides in an interview with Paris-Match.

In addition, the Citroën Racing driver says he sometimes thinks about "one too many races" because of the risk of accidents during rallies. “ This is what also makes me consider the end of my career. I think I have already taken enough risks and I am no longer prepared to take as many. My only motivation today is pleasure. »

If he has a lot of fun on the roads of the World Championship, the Frenchman is also there to win. And he believes he has a certain chance of practicing a sport that suits him well, in order to be able to shine. “ I do a sport that relies heavily on talent and I'm lucky to have it. I am also someone who is thoughtful and precise. However, the rally is a matter of logic. »

Sébastien Loeb will have a new opportunity to demonstrate these qualities during the Rallye de France? Alsace, a new test for all drivers. But, efficient on asphalt and rolling in front of his supporters, the six-time World Champion will be keen to win the event and claim a seventh coronation in his native region.