Loeb predicts difficult Jordan Rally

Citroen Total World Rally Team’s Sebastian Loeb believes he will have to fight hard from the very beginning of the Jordan Rally.

With the event now running over two days rather than three, teams have less incentive to use tactics to manipulate the running order.

“We did the recce with a rental car rather than our normal car [because of the shipping delay],” said Loeb. “The rental cars were big 4x4s so it was a bit like driving a truck. Taking the notes in these conditions was a bit more difficult but I tried to do my best. It’s the same for everybody.”

“It’s going to be a bit more tricky, a rally in two days. We’re going to be second on the road on the first day so we’ll immediately have to go as fast as possible, then we won’t lose too much time for the second day.”

Last year Citroen’s Sebastien Ogier incurred time penalties so that he would run first on the road on the final day, when Loeb - as overnight leader - ought to have been first out. Ogier’s sacrifice enabled him to sweep the road clear of surface debris, helping Loeb to set quicker times.

“Maybe there will be fewer tactics in this way [running two days rather than three],” said Loeb. “For sure the drivers who start behind will have an advantage, as they nearly always do on gravel. We will see what we can do, to try to stay in contact with the front, but it may be a difficult race for me.”

Cars will start leaving service for the opening stage of the Jordan Rally tomorrow (Friday) at 8.45hrs.