Loeb: more work needed on C4

 Loeb back-to-back tested the C4 WRC and the Xsara WRC on French asphalt last week. Loeb reported good progress with the C4 on sealed surfaces, but he remained concerned on the loose.

The Xsara will be replaced next year, but Citroen Sport team director Guy Frequelin has admitted a 2006 debut is a possibility.
 
"The C4 does not feel as agile as the Xsara on gravel," he said. "In the fast and narrow places, it can be difficult to drive. We have time and I will be doing more testing with the C4 in three week's time, but at the moment, for me, it's not so nice.

"The Xsara is coming to the end of its life, though. It is as fast as it will go, whereas the C4 is a new car."
 
Loeb said he would be happy to drive the C4 WRC on later rounds of this year's world championship.
 
"Why not?" he said. "As long as it is for the right reason. We have to make sure that we are bringing the car out this season because it is the new car. It will need to be fast too.

"Marcus [Gronholm] has shown how quick the Ford is everywhere and that's what we have to aim at."