Citroen targets seven wins for Loeb

Speaking at the launch of this year's WRC, Quesnel said the team would be aiming for a repeat of the drivers and manufacturers' championship double it collected last season.

"Nothing has changed for this year," said Quesnel. "We set out aiming for the championships again, of course. We have set Sebastien the target of winning seven rallies this year."

Loeb took seven wins on the way to the 2009 crown, although his record is 11 victories in 2008.

The reigning champion said his motivation was undimmed as he started his pursuit of a seventh title.

"For sure, if I'm here it's because I want to continue," said Loeb. "I like what I do. I want to win and do my best. I had a lot of pleasure from the fight with Mikko [Hirvonen] last year. I don't want to share the trophies, but Mikko will be very motivated and it will be a tough fight this year."

Hirvonen came within a point of beating Loeb to the 2009 title and vowed to be an even tougher opponent this season.

"Last year made me want it even more, it makes me more determined," he said. "It's easy to look back and think about how we could do things differently, but that's all behind. We will be stronger this year."

Quesnel added that as well as aiming for an over 50 per cent victory rate with Loeb, Citroen also wanted to see its number two driver Dani Sordo finally take his first WRC win.

"At the same time, the team is all sure that the first win of the year for Dani is not far away," said Quesnel. "He will soon be on the podium and on the top step."