Sébastien Loeb: “Everything didn’t come together”

In the wake of a Rally Monte-Carlo somewhat disappointing for the nine-time world champion, Hyundai Motorsport has made Sébastien’s absence official Loeb, and his co-driver Daniel Elena, at the next Rally Sweden (February 14-16).

The Alsatian was keen to give his point of view on this announcement, far from being a form of consequence of his poor performance in Monaco if we refer to the track record displayed by the former Citroën driver in the Principality. “After discussions with the team, we decided not to go to Rally Sweden, indicates Loeb on his Facebook page.

As I said previously, even if I am now present in WRC with another approach, that of pleasure behind the wheel, I nevertheless remain a competitor and I want to be able to bring back as many points as possible to Hyundai Motorsport at each of our appearances with Daniel.

Everything was not in place for me to be able to fully fulfill this task in Sweden and I thank the team for listening to me, understanding and reacting so quickly.

This way of working together, in the same direction and of saying things to each other, reassures me in the idea that I am really happy at Hyundai. And that together, we will seek a new title. »

Hyundai Motorsport will trust the Irishman Craig Breen, second in the event in 2018 with Citroën Racing. Ott Tänak et Thierry Neuville, winner of the Monte-Carlo Rally, will be the two other points of Alzenau in the far North.

The organizers of the event also remain confident about the holding of the event, given the upcoming weather forecasts.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally, produced by our special correspondents in the Principality, in AUTO issue 2252hebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.