Appeal was tough decision, says Citroen

The Citroen team appealed against Loeb's penalty, given for changing tyres outside a service area, as the two-minute delay handed the young Frenchman's win to Tommi Makinen.

However, five days later, the French manufacturer withdrew its appeal, citing maintaining a good relationship with motorsport's governing body, the FIA, as the main reason.

"In the public's spirit it was obvious that Sebastien was the quickest on the stages," said Frequelin. "We withdrew the appeal in order to avoid misunderstanding with the public and the FIA. It wasn't an easy decision to make."

Loeb's penalty has called into question the way the rules of the World Rally Championship are enforced. Currently each event has stewards from its own country and leading rally figures believe the FIA should appoint a chief steward, who travels to all 14 events ono the championship.

Meanwhile, Loeb will be trying to prove he was no flash in the pan at this weekend's Rally Sweden, despite his lack of experience on the event.

He said: "I don't have much experience here. I came here last year with a Challenge Saxo and we stopped on the first day."