Sebastien Loeb and Citroen won the drivers' and constructors' championships last year, however Citroen won’t be present this season in an official capacity. Instead Loeb will be with a 'privateer' outfit. The big question is: Can he win the title for the third year running? And can he win the Monte Carlo Rally again, after also winning it in 2005, 2004 and 2003?
News from the Manufacturers' teams:
Manufacturer 1.
Kronos Total Citroen:
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Sebastien Loeb, car #1 and Xavier Pons, car #2]
Sebastien Loeb will be run in the WRC this season by Kronos Racing, following
Citroen's decision to take a sabbatical from the sport, before returning in 2007 with the all new C4. The Frenchman is hopeful he can begin his title defence with a win - making it four-in-a-row at Monte Carlo.
"We will try everything to get another win in Monte Carlo, which is an event I really enjoy," he said. "It's Daniel [Elena]'s home rally and the Kronos team is very motivated. We could judge the quality of their work in 2005 and I'm cautious but confident too. Defending my Drivers' title in a private team is a real challenge, a target I would love to achieve."
Kronos team boss, Marc van Dalen meanwhile is aware that while they did well last year, this season will see them take on the might of works backed efforts from Ford and
Subaru.
"In 2005 Kronos Racing was the best privateer team," added van Dalen. "This year we are climbing one step higher. Since we knew that Seb' and Daniel will join us, our thirty-people-team based in Naninne-Namur area in Belgium has worked harder than ever. Welcoming the world champions to our team gives us an extra motivation. But we aren't going to Monaco for a Sunday morning drive! We know this round stands out as one of the toughest of championship.
