Loeb plans early charge in Cyprus

The Cyprus event is the World Rally Championship's first mixed-surface round for 13 years, commencing with six asphalt stages on Friday before running on gravel for the rest of the weekend.

Given his unbeatable form on asphalt in recent years, Loeb expects to have the edge on day one, but knows this will put him at a disadvantage on the remaining days when he would run first on what are expected to be very dusty roads.

The Citroen driver said he had considered hanging back on Friday, but now planned to try and make a break instead.

"The fact that we are starting the weekend on asphalt won't encourage us to attack," said Loeb. "What will be the point in being first overall on Friday evening? That will mean facing road sweeping duty on the next day's loose stages.

"That said, this is not a strategy we will be able to afford to adopt because we will be starting the weekend first on the road. Our objective will therefore be to build up as big a lead as possible on the opening day."

Loeb remains extremely frustrated that the field will have to use gravel tyres on the asphalt leg for cost reasons.

"It's a shame to have only done things by half," he said. "We will be competing on asphalt with ill-suited brakes, tyres and suspension. The balance of our C4 WRC is still very good with this set-up, but we are aware that we will need to look after our tyres to avoid punctures.

"It will probably be nice for the spectators to see the cars sliding, but I don't think it will be all that stimulating for the drivers."