Sebastien Loeb to judge pace by Mikko Hirvonen in Wales Rally GB title decider

Sebastien Loeb says his focus on Wales Rally GB will be just to finish ahead of title rival Mikko Hirvonen rather than chasing victory. The Frenchman will start next weekend’s World Rally Championship title decider with an eight-point lead over Hirvonen, as Loeb bids for an eighth straight crown.

Loeb does not feel his lead is sufficient to get complacent, but says he will judge his pace according to Hirvonen – who has vowed to push flat-out for victory. “With a seven-point gap between victory and second place and three points for the best time in the power stage, it’s not a very comfortable situation,” said Loeb. “My aim won’t be to win at any cost but to run my race depending on Mikko’s.

“It doesn’t matter to me if Sebastien Ogier, Petter Solberg or Jari-Matti Latvala are in the lead provided I’m in front of my rival.”

Loeb’s Citroen team-mate Ogier said he was open to following team orders if required. Ogier dropped out of the title race with engine failure in Spain.

“Seb is determined to be master of his own destiny by finishing in front of Mikko,” said Ogier.

“But it’s obvious that if circumstances require it I’ll do everything I can to help him win the title.”

Article by Matt Beer, AutoSport.com