Loeb admits to concentration lapse

Reigning champion Loeb had taken the lead from Citroen teammate Dani Sordo and was pulling away from the field when the crash happened on the access road to and from SS11.

The same link road is used to both get to and leave the stage, and the two Citroens collided in a blind, narrow section as Loeb headed for the next stage and Rautenbach made his way towards the SS11 start.

The combined speed was thought to be around 60mph. Both drivers locked up their brakes but were unable to avoid each other.

"We had a very, very good morning. I wanted 30 seconds for the lead and we had it," Loeb told autosport.com.

"Then it went bad. He was in a hurry and I was not fully concentrating. (Co-driver) Daniel (Elena) and I had finished the stage and we were putting the helmet back, getting a drink and then he was there.

"It was a narrow place, with only room for one car. He's sorry and I know that he did not want this to happen. It's stupid that this has happened, but it has."

Rautenbach was equally frustrated by the manner of his exit, but did not feel either driver was at fault.

"I'm really sorry for Sebastien and for Citroen," he said. "Sebastien was pushing hard to get into a good position. It's really unfortunate. I'm pretty fed-up myself, I'm out of the rally as well. It was an accident, nobody's fault."

Loeb is not sure if he will rejoin under the superally system tomorrow.

"I don't know if I will carry on," he said. "It's not so interesting for the drivers' championship, but there are points for the manufacturers'.

"We have to wait and see what they find with the engine. Sure the radiator is finished - it was a big impact for the front of the engine. We have to see."