Loeb targets points, not win in Greece

The Citroen driver is first on the road for the seventh round of the series, which gets underway beneath the Parthenon this afternoon. Loeb admitted the recent rain in the Loutraki area could help at the front of the field.

The unseasonably wet weather will help to bind the loose gravel together, partly negating the cleaning effect which slows the driver first through the stages.

Loeb said: "The more important thing is to score some points. Of course, it would be nice to fight for the victory, but we are in a good place in the championship right now and points are important.

"From what we saw on the recce, it will be a disadvantage to be first on the road, there was a lot of loose gravel. But now that it has rained and if it rains today and tomorrow, then it can be okay."

Further rain fell overnight, but it had stopped in time for this morning's shakedown stage, where Loeb was fastest by seven tenths of a second from fellow Citroen driver Petter Solberg.

"We made some small changes to the car," said Loeb, "and I am happy. There was a lot of mud this morning and we decided to stop if the mud stayed, but it dried out so we did some more runs. This is a tough rally, it will be the toughest of the year, so we will have to look after the car. But, at the same time, when you are fighting for seconds, you can't slow down."