Loeb to debut at Dakar Rally
SEBASTIEN Loeb, the record nine-times rally world champion, makes his anticipated debut at the Dakar Rally at age 41.
He plays down the expectations, but others consider him a favourite, given his merits.
Loeb is the most successful driver in rally racing history, but is keeping his expectations in check ahead of his Dakar Rally debut from today onwards in Argentina and Bolivia.
The nine-times world champion from France teams up with Daniel Elena, of Monaco, in a Peugeot for the over 13 stages and 9 000km from Buenos Aires to Rosario.
“This is my first Dakar, that’s why I am not overly confident. I am aware that Daniel and I start from zero,” the 41year-old Loeb said. “We are here to learn, that’s why I don’t put too much pressure on myself.”
But all eyes will be on Loeb, who has won 78 rallies in his glittering career, among them seven Rally Monte Carlo titles from 10 starts there.
No wonder that his rivals believe Loeb can play a major role from the outset, such as two-time world champion and 2010 Dakar winner, Carlos Sainz, of Spain.
“I am convinced Sebastien is one of the favourites. It may be his first year, but he can get used to any kind of race quickly. That makes him a favourite,” Sainz said.
Sainz, 53, is also part of the strong Peugeot team, which includes record five-time winner Stephane Peterhansel, of France, and compatriot, Cyril Depres, who has five bike titles from past editions.
Peugeot only returned to the Dakar last year from a 25-year absence, which could work in favour of Qatari title holder Nasser Al-Attiyah in a Mini.
“They are at the Dakar for the second time and will need time,” Al-Attiyah said.
Another contender is Toyota’s Giniel de Villiers, as the South African won the first South American edition in 2009 and has five podiums from the last seven races.
The Dakar, held since 1978 and moved from Africa to South America after the cancellation of the 2008 edition over terrorist threats, is much tougher than regular rallies.
It has also cost the lives of 60 people over the years, including 28 competitors, the latest being Polish bike rider Michal Hernik in 2015.
The upcoming 38th edition, with a record 556 participants from 60 countries, comes after Chile and Peru said they were not available to host stages, yet race director Etienne Lavigne said he was confident for the event. “We are well prepared now and will have a quality race with fantastic drivers,” he said.
“We have combined highspeed tracks with sections which are demanding for navigation, terrain and climate. We will have everything: heat, cold, rain, snow, sand and wind – that’s the typical Dakar mix.”
Al-Attiyad boosted his con- fidence by winning a tune-up event in Morocco in which Loeb was no factor, but the Frenchman was not discouraged. “We will take it as it comes, we won’t force anything, and then see how it goes.
“But it certainly is a lot of fun to try out something new,” Loeb said.