WRC – Loeb does not regret his return to Monte-Carlo

Sébastien Loeb was only able to pick up eighth place in Rally Monte Carlo after retiring in the second stage after tearing off a wheel. This result is obviously a disappointment for Citroën which had hired him to score points in the Manufacturers' Championship. But the nine-time world champion rose to the occasion by showing himself capable of fighting for victory against Sébastien Ogier (VW) even though he had not driven at the world rally level for a year.

The seven-time winner of the Monte-Carlo Rally managed to overtake Martin Prokop (Ford) after attacking on the final day. The Alsatian distinguished himself by signing the 905th scratch of his career in WRC in the Col de Turini (SS14) before signing the second time of the Power Stage behind his teammate Kris Meeke. “The fun was there! We found the rhythm again and the DS3 WRC was perfect,” said Sébastien Loeb after the finish. “When we left in the first stage, it was as if we had never stopped with Daniel! I was pleasantly surprised by the feeling and by our times from the start. The first two stages were nevertheless very complicated, but we had to attack by starting in fourteenth position. »

Sébastien Loeb does not plan to compete in other rallies but the Frenchman would delight a large number of spectators by taking part in other events. “We were not favored by the conditions and a small mistake costs us dearly. But that doesn't take away from the pleasure taken in the DS 3 WRC. We had lots of good times. It was really a great experience for Daniel (Elena, his co-pilot), at home, and for me! »

The videos of the event can be consulted here.

Discover the analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1996 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow evening in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.