Citroen 'wary' ahead of Germany

The Frenchman has won the event for the past five years, and he is in urgent need of adding to that tally after he fell 13 points behind Marcus Gronholm in the standings in Finland last weekend.

But while Gronholm, who has won Rally Finland seven times now, is considered the master of that event, Loeb does not feel that the same title applies to him in Germany.

"People see us as the favourites, but it won't be easy," said the world champion. "I don't think you can say that Germany is to me what Finland is to Marcus.

"None of our victories in Germany have been easy and I can't see our rivals making life easy for us this time round."

Citroen may also be concerned by comments from Ford's Mikko Hirvonen, who believes that that 2007-spec focus that won on its debut in Finland will give Ford a greater step forward on asphalt.

"It's difficult not to be wary going into an event where there is so much at stake," said Citroen Sport boss Guy Frequelin.

"This event needs to be a springboard that permits us to get back into the fight for both championships, so it's easy to understand why the entire team and I feel more worried than usual."