Tyre Choice to be Key to GB Rally

World Rally Championship leader Sebastien Loeb has told journalists that he is expecting an eventful Welsh Rally GB this weekend. Although the race, which traditionally runs in November, is likely to be drier, there is still a good chance of rain.

Citreon driver Loeb sees the changeable conditions as a challenge for those making the tyre choice decisions. “Following the date switch, this event is likely to be the most complicated gravel rally of the calendar on the tyre front. Part of the rally will be played out on Monday when we nominate our tyre choices. The conditions stand to vary from dry and hard to cold, damp, muddy or even pouring rain. To be sure of having the ideal tyre for each situation, we could nominate a bit of everything, from ultra-soft rubber to hard compounds. But, in that case, we will only have a limited quantity of each, and we will end up running short if the conditions are consistent. The alternative, riskier solution will be to go without certain products.”