Liberated Loeb ready for off

The Frenchman, who has won the event for the past three seasons but saw his 2002 success taken away on a rule infringement, has confessed that he is happy to head into the event as favourite - even though it makes him more of a target for the opposition.

"I have to accept the role of favourite," he said. "There's even a nice side to it. I'm getting used to the pressure that goes with it, but I remain lucid. All good runs come to an end some time and I tell myself that this one will too.

"On the other hand, the complexity of the Monte Carlo is such that, more than anywhere else, winning is a team effort. And we have a strong team, made even stronger by its recent record on this event. So although I am totally aware that anything can happen, I feel confident. More confident than last year..."

After a hectic winter of testing and promotions, Loeb has had little time to reflect on his title success last year - and has confessed that finally bringing the world championship home has made him feel more liberated.

"Missing out so narrowly on the title in 2003 put a little pressure on me and winning the championship in 2004 took away much of that pressure," he admitted. "I feel liberated. Whatever happens now, I've achieved my goal and fulfilled every rally driver's dream.

"Some say that the first conquest is the most difficult. We'll see. What's certain is that I haven't yet had my fill; behind the wheel, I feel the same desire to win. I want this to be a fantastic season with Citroen."