WRC – Loeb: “If we can fight for victory, so much the better”

The 83rd edition of Rally Monte Carlo contested from January 21 to 25 will have a particular flavor with the return of Sébastien Loeb on one of the two Citroën DS3s WRC registered to score points in the Manufacturers' Championship (the second being reserved for Kris Meeke). The nine-time WRC world champion will return to the wheel of the seasoned car at world level for the first time since the 2013 France-Alsace Rally where he retired (victory at the Rallye du Var last year).

Sébastien Loeb had to get his bearings after completing a full season in the WTCC at the wheel of the C-Elysée. ?When Citroën Racing asked me to take part in this rally, I didn?t hesitate for long! The Monte-Carlo takes place on French roads. I like the atmosphere and the closeness with our supporters. I am also happy to find such sensations behind the wheel of the DS3 WRC! During the first day of testing, I had to get back into the rhythm, but it quickly came back ! The driving style is very different from what I now know with the C-Elysée WTCC. With four-wheel drive and on normal roads, you have to improvise a lot more. »

Despite his lack of training, Sébastien Loeb will be able to approach the Monte-Carlo Rally with solid pretensions since he holds the record for victories with seven successes (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013). “These tests have been beneficial, but it is always complicated to prepare for a Monte-Carlo Rally”, added the Citroën star. “We can't predict the conditions we will have on the big day. My ambition is to be competitive, but you have to keep in mind that I haven't ridden for a year. Every time I start a race, I give my best. This will still be the case and If we can fight for victory, so much the better! »