Before Rally Mexico
After finishing second in both Monte Carlo and Sweden, Sebastien Loeb will aim for another good result in Rally Mexico, round three of the World Rally Championship.
How did the Mexico pre-event tests go?
“We tested in Catalunya. Like on tarmac, most of the work has been done to put the car in compliance with the 2006 specifications. Progressively we have fine-tuned the front and rear mechanical differentials set-up. On tarmac and snow we had found some performing settings which made the car well balanced and easy to drive. On gravel we all know that it is crucial to work on the handling. In a word, we had a lot to achieve and I think we did well. The car suits me. As usual, we will have the confirmation when we see the stage times but I am confident.”

Mexico rally is one of your favourite events. But you have never been really successful here…
“It`s true that we haven`t been really lucky here so far! However it is quite high in my personal rankings. The stages are not narrow and I like this as it gives you the choice of driving line. The stages are all different, sometimes very fast and sometimes very technical. The weather is usually very nice, the landscape beautiful and people are warm and friendly. The main concern remains with the stones which have caused some much damage in the last two editions. Since two years, we experienced such problems already at the shakedown and we took part in the ceremonial start in Guanajuato by foot two years in a row. I also retired in 2004 after the sump broke on an impact on one of those stones. The solution? You need to remain extremely focused during the recce to locate a maximum of them.”

How do you see your rally?
“Last year, due to the time we dropped at the start of the event, we had nothing to loose any more and it was one of the most exciting events. Daniel and I enjoyed it 100% especially when we gained two positions in the final stage where we drove at a crazy pace. A bit like in Monte Carlo this year actually. In 2004 and 2005 the Xsara has always performed well in Mexico. I hope it will still be the case and that we could fight for a win. It would be the best way to reach our target number one: don`t let Marcus keep us at bay in the championship.”

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