Citroen team boss, Guy Frequelin has said that Sebastien Loeb's 'mission' this weekend in Japan will be to get another win.
Although Seb's task will be harder this time out as the WRC now returns to gravel following the two back-to-back asphalt events in Spain and Corsica, the Frenchman will still be right up there.
Indeed to date this season he has already taken three wins on the loose, having come out top in Mexico, Portugal and Argentina. Loeb also won in Japan last year.
"I think we can expect another exciting but difficult fight in Japan," stated Frequelin.
"Sebastien, Daniel [Elena – his co-driver] and the Citroen C4 need to try to win though. If our rival finishes second behind them the gap will be down to just two points, with two events remaining. It is therefore extremely important for Seb to try to repeat his 2006 win which would keep his chances alive before heading for Ireland, and then Wales.
"For the car, this is another new rally which has a lot of specific features, but everyone at Citroen Sport is very much looking forward to the challenge that awaits us in Japan."
As for Dani Sordo, who will as normal drive the second C4 WRC car, Frequelin added that his objective will be to continue to gain experience on the loose.
"Dani and Marc [Marti] also have a fight on their hands, but more against the terrain and their lack of experience. The objective for them will be to try to be as consistent and quick as possible with a view to gleaning as much information as they can for next year," he explained.
Asked about the Rally Japan in more detail, Guy stated that the event is very difficult: "It isn't an easy rally at all. Indeed, it's never easy to drive at speed over narrow roads that offer little grip. On top of that, many corners are concealed by tall grass which can hide certain hazards," he continued.
"At this time of year, the potentially changeable weather has to be taken onboard, too."
As for the recent results in Spain and Corsica, Frequelin was pleased with how things turned out: "To stay in the title chase, Sébastien and Daniel needed to win in Spain and Corsica, and they succeeded. Dani also came second ahead of Grönholm in Catalonia and that enabled Seb to gain four points, plus a further two in Corsica. The gap now stands at four.
"We had to go well on the two asphalt events and we ended up getting both Citroen C4 WRCs onto the podium each time. Citroën Sport rose well to the occasion, which means we are still in the fight, although the rest of the year promises to be just as difficult," he warned.
