Loeb promises to attack

The Citroen star was leading the event when he lost control of his Xsara WRC in wet conditions, losing over 10 minutes in the process. His failure to score has left him six points behind team-mate and championship leader Carlos Sainz with only two events remaining, and Loeb knows he must attack if he is to claim the crown.

"It's clear we missed a chance to score big points in Corsica, or even perhaps the lead in the championship," admitted Loeb. "We are now six points behind Carlos, with two other drivers between us. The situation could be better, but at least we won't have to think about controlling from in front. In Catalunya and Great Britain, we intend to attack from start to finish. May the fastest man win."

Loeb stands a strong chance of victory on this weekend's Rally Catalunya, which takes place on his favoured asphalt, but could be more challenged on Rally GB, which runs in the muddy forests of Wales. However, the Frenchman insists he will fight hard on the event.

"I do like the British round," he insisted. "It was there last year that I posted my first top stage times on gravel. Yet our car was less competitive than it is now. When you compare how we went in Australia in 2002 with our run there this year, you can see how much the Xsara and I have come on. If the curve is the same for Rally GB, then I sincerely believe we stand a real chance."