Loeb hunts big points

Loeb's confidence stems from a positive test the team carried out for the Cyprus Rally near Athens at the end of April, which also included preparatory work for this weekend's Acropolis Rally.

The Xsara's set-up work will be refined and validated when Loeb and team-mate Carlos Sainz take to the Greek roads at a test venue shortly before the start of recce.

Asked what he expected from the rally, the Frenchman replied: "A place on the podium! I don't think road order will have a big influence one way or the other. My main objective will be to stay in the leading group in the championship. I have already retired once this season, so I must focus on finishing, and in the big points. I will be happy with third. If I can come second, that would be nice. Better still would be fantastic!

"The stages are not too slow, and certain portions permit the sort of driving style I prefer: nice lines, power slides, good jumps. I'm naturally less fond of the rougher, narrower parts. You can feel the car suffer and you have to drive differently to be as quick as possible without running the risk of compromising the car's potential. That's much less fun."