Tyres key says Loeb

The French Citroen ace reckons that although his team's tyre supplier Michelin, has dominated the event in recent years, that may change if Pirelli (which supplies Subaru, Peugeot and Mitsubishi) has taken a step forward with its asphalt-spec rubber over the winter.

"Okay for the last couple of years the Michelin has been the best, but Pirelli might have come up with something new and different," he told Autosport magazine. "It could be Pirelli's turn to find a better evolution. With the tyres, it's hard to know what the others can do."

"Until the rally has started, you don't what's going to happen. But if things stay like they were last year, sure it might be difficult for the others.

Of the threats Loeb can measure, based on those cars running on the same Michelin tyres as he is, the world champion believes his new team-mate Francois Duval will give him the hardest time.

"Francois [Duval] might not have much experience of the car, but I'm sure he will be very quick when the rally starts," he said. "We saw on this event and all of the asphalt rallies last season just how fast he could drive. He will be big competition with me this year and I'm sure that will start in Monte Carlo."

Duval, still seeking his first win at world championship level, has said he is aiming for a podium finish to kick off his career with Citroen. "I tested in December and January for the Monte," he said, "and it didn't take me long to feel comfortable with the car, which is predictable and nicely balanced."