Loix will be cautious in Brazil
Former World Rally Championship star Freddy Loix has admitted he won't drive flat-out to win the Rally de Curitiba in Brazil next month
The 38-year-old Peugeot 207 Super 2000 pilot finished second on the Monte Carlo Rally last month, but is in effect the clear points leader - as neither Monte winner Sebastien Ogier nor third-placed Stephane Sarrazin is likely to contest a full season.
Loix therefore has every chance of moving to the top of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers' standings with a strong result in South America, after finishing second in the championship last year.
However, the Belgian has vowed to be cautious in order to ensure he reaches the finish of the event, which will appear on the IRC schedule for the first time this year.
"This kind of rally suits my driving style because the stages are quite fast with some crests and that's what I like," Loix said. "I can see the rally being a bit like a sprint because the stages are quite short.
"But my target will be to take it steady. There are six Super 2000 cars competing and it's important to be in one of the top places at the finish."
Loix said he will also be taking into account the fact he hasn't contested a gravel event for eight months.
"I want to show that I can be quick but my last gravel event was in Russia last July where I finished fourth," the Belgian said. "Because I have not driven on gravel for a very long time it will take me some time to find a good rhythm and it's important not to take too many risks."
The Rally Internacional de Curitiba takes place from March 5-7, and will be immediately followed by the opening round of the World Touring Car Championship.
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