Loeb has Gronholm in his sights
World champion Sebastien Loeb has taken aim at arch rival Marcus Gronholm in this weekend’s Rally of New Zealand.
The Citroen driver comes into the 11th round of this year’s World Rally Championship trailing the Finn by eight points with six events remaining.
“The last rally I won in Germany and before that Marcus won in Finland. So we are both in good form,” said Loeb.
“I know that Marcus in New Zealand is really fast so it will not be easy to win here. It’s one of my favourite rallies but I know Marcus has won a lot of times here.
“I am disadvantaged a bit that I only did the reconnaissance last year because the stages were new last year and I don’t have a lot of experience. I hope it won’t be a big disadvantage and I can fight for the victory.”
Gronholm won last year’s event and is seeking his fifth Rally New Zealand title in seven attempts, but he is prepared to fight to retain the crown.
“Eight points is not so many,” he said. “So my aim is to go all out for the win here, and of course we cannot make a mistake.
“I like the roads here. They are a lot like we have at home in Finland, and that has always made it very enjoyable here in New Zealand.”
The rally proper starts on Friday, with the traditional test at Waikato’s Mystery Creek and the ceremonial start in Hamilton.
The race is celebrating 30 years on the WRC circuit this year, and its 38th edition overall.
