Sébastien Loeb: “The big attack”

Sébastien Loeb, six-time reigning World Champion, continues to impress on rallies WRC. Even if the driver has incredible talent and has demonstrated it on numerous occasions, the astonishment is always present when the Alsatian achieves such a day of competition.

While the victory seemed forgotten after his crash in SS3 on Friday morning (80 seconds lost), the Citroën Racing driver was able to grab the seconds by handfuls this Saturday. So much so that he took on all his adversaries, except Sébastien Ogier. Having benefited from a clean road, he is now only 5?3 behind his young compatriot.

« Yes, we released the big attack, confirms Sébastien Loeb. But not just today. Today, it is more visible. Yesterday, we were fighting not to waste time. Today, we are fighting to regain time. From the outside, it looks more impressive. From the inside, it's the same rhythm »

However, the performance is remarkable, as the Frenchman was able to quickly get back on his predecessors in the ranking. Starting seventh on the road, Sébastien Loeb was able to count on a surface swept by six other competitors. So much so that some, including Sébastien Ogier (see elsewhere), think that the mistake made on Friday by the World Champion was ultimately beneficial!

« It's a mistake that comes at the right time, recognizes Sébastien Loeb. But it’s still been five rallies that I’ve swept. They may not realize but what they take today [as a delay], I fight not to take it all the first days of the race »

Now second in the general classification, 5?3 behind Sébastien Ogier, the Citroën Racing driver is confident. “ We have now made up for the time lost during our session yesterday! We had a lot of fun in the car today. Our C4 WRC was at the top of its potential and the roads were simply magnificent. We are in a good position to play for victory tomorrow, but first of all we will have to overcome a short stage but full of pitfalls. You will have to attack as hard as possible and manage to stay on the road. And, even with practice, it won't be easier. »