Loeb says Ogier relationship unchanged

Talking ahead of this evening's start of Rally Australia - an event where Citroen could clinch a fourth straight championship and its seventh in nine years - Loeb insisted he and Ogier remained focused on doing the best for the French firm.

"The atmosphere is like it is," said Loeb. "It didn't really change: I do my best, he does his best and we work together on the settings, nothing has changed. There has been no special discussion, we are here to do our job."

Talking of the potential for another Citroen title, Loeb said: "I know it's possible, but I don't know exactly [what has to happen - the team needs a one-two]. I am relaxed about this. It's the same like every rally: you know you have to score big points for the team."

Loeb added, however, that it was important to focus on the challenge from Ford as well.

"We have to fight with Ford," he said. "We forget a bit early the other drivers at the moment," he said. "We [Loeb and Ogier] are first and second on the road, so we will clean the roads for them, they can be a real challenge. For me, maybe it's not so crucial to win this rally - it's more important for me to take some points rather than risk everything and not score anything."

Asked for his opinion on the atmosphere in the team after his comments in Germany, Ogier said: "I have not so much to say about that. We had a talk with the team after [Germany] and we had to have it, it was a conversation for the team and it will stay in the team. There's nothing to say about that, it's okay actually."

Asked about team orders, Ogier said: "I am driving for a team. If team orders are put in place, I will comply."