Loeb eyes slice of history
DAKAR: RALLY LEGEND HOPES FOR BETTER LUCK IN HIS FOURTH ATTEMPT
Frenchman looks to become the first privateer to win in 19 years.
French rally legend Sebastien Loeb will tackle this year’s Dakar Rally as a privateer in a Peugeot 3008 buggy, his sponsor Red Bull announced last week. Loeb, a nine-time World Rally Champion, has participated in the annual event three times and was part of the all-conquering Peugeot factory team who took the decision not to compete in the Dakar any longer.
His car will be run by independent French team PH Sport with Loeb looking to become the first privateer to win the race since Jean-Louis Schlesser in 2000.
Although the 44-year-old is hoping to improve on past results – ninth on his debut in 2016, second in 2017 and a retirement this year, when co-pilot Daniel Elena got injured – he says “enjoyment” will be just as important.
“I only made the decision to go to Dakar again at the last minute, but I’m still hungry for the win. We’re probably lacking some preparation compared to others.
“All through my career I have always been considered the favourite in rallies and races, but the Dakar is unpredictable and the toughest motorsport event on earth,” he said. “Therefore, I must tackle it again. Although I’m obviously motivated by victory, enjoyment is just as important.”
Loeb, who has been competing sporadically in the 2018 world rally championship, stunned the field to win last weekend’s Rally of Catalunya, his first WRC victory since 2013.
He was driving in only his fourth rally in the last five seasons after partly retiring to focus on other motorsports following a glittering career which saw him win nine-straight titles from 2004.
Peruvian sand dunes undid Loeb this year with next year’s edition seeing a whopping 70% of the route made up of them, something that he is not afraid of.
“I like the dunes, but the key thing will be not to get stuck.”
The 2019 edition of the Dakar Rally will be held in Peru from January 6 to 17. –