Loeb Admits to Taking it Easy

The Citroen ace made full use of an inspired tyre choice to comfortably head home title rival Petter Solberg, and he claimed his car had been 'perfect' throughout the event as he seized the overall lead in the points standings.

Reflecting on his success, Loeb singled out his speed on stage 12 as key to his victory charge - as it allowed him to ease back on his pace during the final day.

"There was no wind and, like everyone else, I was hampered by the fairly thick cloud of dust thrown up by the preceding cars," he said. "I therefore lifted each time I had to and pushed hard as soon as the conditions allowed. The car was perfect.

"In the following stages, I was careful not to make any mistakes while keeping a close eye on the times of my closest chaser, Petter Solberg. Winning back to back in New Zealand and here in Sardinia has put us back in the lead of the Championship and promises some exciting battles to come!"

Citroen's motorsport boss Guy Frequelin was delighted with his team's second successive victory and believed the recent results provide all the evidence he needs to feel the team can maintain their form over the next few gravel events.

"We have won two rallies in a row, both in a straight fight and both in events in which we were somewhat dominated last year," he explained.

"Our win in New Zealand was a positive pointer for the fast gravel rallies to come, while our result here in Sardinia is also very promising since the heat and rough portions were a foretaste of what we are likely to come across in the next three rounds."