Loeb not thinking about title battle
Sebastien Loeb says he will put a sixth consecutive World Rally Championship title out of his mind when he starts his final-round battle with rival Mikko Hirvonen on next week's Rally GB
After 11 rounds, the two drivers are split by just one point in Hirvonen's favour, but Loeb says he will only focus on beating his Ford-driving rival and finishing in the points in Wales.
"The two of us will obviously be under a great deal of pressure, and even a small mistake could put either one of us out of the running for the title," said Loeb.
"I don't want to dwell too much on the stakes, however, otherwise we run the risk of not being able to put one foot in front of the other. As far as possible, I will try to put all that to the back of my mind and simply get on the fight.
"Mikko and I have enjoyed some particularly close scraps this year already - in Norway, Finland and Australia - and I hope we will see another exciting battle in Wales."
Loeb's team-mate Dani Sordo can do no more to help the Frenchman this year as Loeb only needs to finish one place ahead of Hirvonen to be champion, so the Spaniard is free to chase his first WRC rally win.
"That doesn't mean I will win," said Sordo, "but I have every intention of being part of the fight. Had that not been the case, then I might as well stay at home! I won't be under any pressure, so I will be able to drive with a freer mind.
"Last year, I finished on the podium in Wales to help clinch the manufacturers' title. Our pre-event testing went well; I enjoyed driving the car and I feel confident. You want me to predict the result? Okay: Sordo ahead of Loeb. Then we will be able to have a huge party on Sunday evening!"
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