WRC
20 years ago: Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, first non-Nordic winners of the Swedish Rally
The famous Colin's Crest jump tackled by Loeb-Elena's Citroën Xsara. Photo DPPI
In February 2004, Sébastien Loeb is not yet a motorsport legend. The Alsatian narrowly missed the title the previous year and his comfort on surfaces other than asphalt is not yet optimal. The 2004 season begins, as will become its habit, with a success at Rally Monte Carlo. But the next round, scheduled in Sweden, is historically reserved for men coming from the cold.
Indeed, until then, the Swedish Rally, the only event on snow and ice on the calendar, was the preserve of Swedish and Finnish drivers, accustomed to very particular driving on these fast but slippery roads.
ALSO READ > Rally Sweden 2024: Changes, but no revolution
“We found an effective style, not too bulky but enough not to drag,” explains the Frenchman ahead of the event. We have to find the right balance in terms of attack. » This is what he managed to find, better than his rivals Marcus Grönholm (Peugeot ) and Markko Märtin (Ford). The first is slowed down by power steering problems on the restive 307 WRC.
The second, who took off in a hurry, hit a rock hidden in a snowdrift during the second stage. Loeb inherits the command on Saturday and keeps it until the finish.
After 52 years of Nordic domination, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena broke this long series! “ Being the only ones not to make any mistakes, we found ourselves in the lead with a good little lead, explained the Habs. I'm happy, I managed to keep calm while setting a good pace. I don't know if it's the most beautiful, but it's a victory that goes down in legend. For me, the most important thing is to prove that I can win on other terrains than on asphalt. We had gotten closer to the best on gravel, I had good times in Sweden in 2003, but to win is really great. »
His boss at the time, Guy Fréquelin, was amazed by this performance. “He is demonstrating something exceptional. I'm really proud that it's Citroën that allows him to do this. I'm very emotive. »
The boss's kiss towards his foal, a recurring gesture at Citroën Sport in the 2000s! Photo DPPI / F. Le Floc'h
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
Continue reading on these topics:
Read also
Comments
*The space reserved for logged in users. Please connect to be able to respond or post a comment!
0 Comment (s)
To write a comment
0 View comments)