Sebastien Loeb celebrated his 2009 WRC title success with victory on home soil in the final round of the French national championship – the Rallye du Var.
Co-driven by wife Severine for the second successive year, Loeb stormed to victory at the wheel of his C4 WRC having finished on the podium last year at the wheel of a C2 S1600.
"We enjoy doing the odd rally together,” Loeb said. “Last year, we finished on the podium on the Rallye du Var in a C2 S1600. When Olivier Quesnel suggested we repeat the operation this time round with a C4 WRC, we didn't hesitate a second.
“We were under absolutely no pressure and our only aim was to entertain the spectators. This event holds a special place in my career, since it was here that I was given my first works drive with the
Citroen Xsara Kit-Car in 2000.
"It's always nice when you win, and I also prefer giving a celebratory kiss on the podium to Severine rather than Daniel! This wasn't an easy rally. The weather was very unsettled, which made tyre choice quite complex, but I am pleased to dedicate this win to Citroen."
Regular co-driver Daniel Elena was also in action on the event and he took 54th place at the wheel of a C2-R2 MAX, with best friend Olivier Campana reading the notes.
"We covered the entire rally without ever knowing what our position was,” Elena said. “The main thing for us was to enjoy this rally's fabulous stages and thank our supporters. The C2-R2 MAX may be a pucker rally car, but it is so easy to drive. It's ideal for an amateur like me. That said, I'm looking forward to getting back in the C4 WRC… if Severine lets me!"
