How the Frenchman left a lasting impression

Sebastien Loeb’s first experience of rallycross was in 2012, when the Frenchman drove a Citroen DS 3 at X Games in Los Angeles.

The Citroen was a Hansen Motorsport-built machine that was run for Citroen Racing in the event. It was called the DS 3 XL (X for X Games, L for Loeb).

The rallycross newcomer was quickest in qualifying, started on pole position for the final and won ahead of Ken Block and Brian Deegan, both in Ford Fiestas.

The same event was also significant as double World Rally champion Marcus Gronholm crashed out in practice; the Finn was taken to hospital following the huge incident, which effectively ended his rallycross career.

In 2013, Loeb drove another Citroen DS 3, this time run by Knapick Competition in his home round of the European Rallycross Championship at Loheac. The car was capable, but not quite as capable as those at the front of the field, and the best Loeb could manage was fourth in the first semi-final, just missing a place in the final.

At the same event, Kris Meeke raced a Peugeot 208 for the Albatec Racing team but was unable to convert fast lap times into a result following contact and punctures, while Petter Solberg finished second to compatriot Andreas Bakkerud after the pair traded places in the final.

DRIVER

Julian Godfrey Pat Doran Colin Anson Mark Watson Steve Hill Dan Rooke Steve Harris Dave Bellerby Jack Thorne Andy Grant Dave Newsham James Grint Kevin Procter Mark Flaherty Ollie O’donovan