Loeb on the verge of title
World Rally Championship leader Sebastien Loeb is on course to clinch his first title, at his home event, if he can maintain his third place in the Rally de France during the final leg tomorrow (Sunday)
The French Citroen ace commands a 1m20s advantage over his team-mate Carlos Sainz, who is currently running fourth overall. Ford drivers Markko Martin and Francois Duval, who are first and second in the event, may be all but uncatchable to Loeb now, but all the Frenchman realistically has to do to clinch the title is stay on the road. Nevertheless Loeb is taking no chances.
"I have to keep my concentration," he said. "It will be necessary if tomorrow's leg is like the one we had today.
"However, I must say that I am not displeased to have managed to maintain my pace in the difficult sections, pushing just as much as was necessary to keep my tyres working properly. I will try to continue along the same lines tomorrow. But don't talk to me about the title before two pm tomorrow!"
Loeb's only challenger for the title is the reigning world champion Petter Solberg, but the Norweigen has had a miserable time in Corsica and currently lies sixth overall, four and a half minutes off the lead.
The Subaru star needed a win to have any realistic chance of retaining his title, and with Loeb holding a 26-point lead over him with two rounds to go, all hope would seem to be lost. Even if Loeb was to retire, Solberg would still have to claw his way back up to third past Peugeot ace Marcus Gronholm and the points leader's team-mate Sainz.
"It's been a very difficult day for us again," said Solberg. "The frustrating thing is that the car feels good and we've seen glimpses of the pace we need, but at the end of the day we just can't catch the leaders.
"We've tried everything possible today and we'll keep doing the same tomorrow. Hopefully we can learn something. I'll keep focused on the job and do all I can, there isn't really much more to say.
Rally Belgium: Sunday Afternoon Highlights
Vodafone Rally de Portugal Friday afternoon recap
Croatia Rally SS5-SS8
WRC Croatia Rally 2021 Teaser
Does Neuville have a point with his Rally1 rant?
OPINION: Thierry Neuville's diatribe against the upcoming Rally1-spec machines that will usher in the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era was remarkable in an era where drivers are usually reticent to air their views in public. But are the Belgian's concerns about speed, safety and cost entirely valid?
How the WRC's new flying Finn reached new heights in the Greek mountains
After Kalle Rovanpera’s historic feat at Rally Estonia, the Finn scaled new heights at the Rally of the Gods with a commanding victory. And this time Toyota’s young star demonstrated why the future is bright with his devastating speed and consistency at the Acropolis Rally
The WRC drivers that came of age at the Acropolis Rally
Five drivers have won first time out at the Rally Acropolis, transcending the tough dirt and gravel Greek roads to cement a place in rallying folklore. Here are three of the first-time winners' tales
Understanding Suninen’s sudden WRC exit gamble
From being considered a likely contender to drive the next-generation M-Sport Ford Puma in 2022, Teemu Suninen's abrupt exit has created plenty of questions. The Finn's bid to become his country's next World Rally Championship winner won't be furthered by being sidelined, but there may be reason behind the decision
Could Spa’s cameo offer the WRC a new avenue to exploit?
OPINION: The Ypres Rally featured a cameo from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in its final stage, giving WRC teams the chance to experience its iconic corners in rallying machinery. It proved to be an engaging addition to the rally, and could perhaps serve as an example for other events to visit famous circuits
How Hyundai's home hero delivered overdue WRC success in Belgium
With limited recent fortune and pressure starting to mount, Hyundai needed a big result at the Ypres Rally. All the key components came together in Belgium to see home hero Thierry Neuville lead a manufacturer 1-2 and kickstart its World Rally Championship challenge
The new car that can resurrect Ford's WRC winning pedigree
M-Sport has become the first to unveil its new-for-2022 hybrid World Rally Championship challenger, the Puma Rally1. Ford has upped its support in a bid for glory, but can the new machine roll back the years and return the Blue Oval to the top of the WRC tree?
The rookie WRC driver aiming to continue Loeb and Ogier's legacies
French drivers have dominated the World Rally Championship across the past two decades; Sebastiens Loeb and Ogier have racked up the titles in commanding fashion. With Ogier calling it a day on full-time WRC competition from next year, France will pin its long-term hopes on rookie Adrien Fourmaux, who looks to have a bright future.
