Sebastien Loeb admits Pikes Peak return unlikely

Driving the 208 T16 Peugeot built specially for Pikes Peak, Loeb set a time of 8m13.878s, over a minute and a half quicker than the previous benchmark.

Asked if he was tempted to come back in 2014 to improve on that time, Loeb said the dangers of the event meant it was likely to be a one-off attempt.

"To be honest, that's not something we've spoken about," he said of a future Pikes Peak return.

"I've really enjoyed this but we'll see what happens and who tries to break the record.

"The feeling is amazing, but the risks are also high."

Former record-holder Rhys Millen, who set a personal best on Sunday but was 49 seconds slower than Loeb, reckons the nine-time World Rally champion's benchmark might always be out of reach.

"They were unbeatable," said Millen. "That time they set was simply incredible. When will it be beaten? It might never be..."

Peugeot's simulation suggested an 8m15s lap might be possible. Loeb ultimately went two seconds faster still.

"Before the start I didn't really know if I should push absolutely to the maximum or if I should just push to a comfortable pace, in order to make sure of the victory," he said.

"In the end, I decided to push to the limit.

"You have the downforce of a Le Mans car, with acceleration that is faster than a Formula 1 car, going through scenery that is a bit like rallying.

"It just comes out of corners like a cannonball; the traction is astounding.

"With steep drops either side, and so much work and investment going into this programme, you obviously can't make any mistakes... It's 20 kilometres of taking risks.

"There was a certain amount of pressure that I felt before the start, that's true."