Citroën and Loeb Achieve Aussie Gold

Citroën’s 2004 World Rally Championship winner, Sébastien Loeb achieved a record equalling 6th rally victory, in Australia this weekend, in what was the year’s final event.

The original record, which was established by Loeb’s fellow Frenchman, Didier Auriol, has stood for 10 years. Sébastien took control of the Telstra Rally Australia, on day two of the three day event. With a total of 13 stage wins, more than double any other competitor, Sébastien Loeb and the Citroën team showed their determination to finish the season as they had started – at the top of the podium.

Team Citroën manager, Guy Fréquelin, commented: “Although the two titles were already in the bag, the team gave another demonstration of its ability and professionalism. They remained perfectly motivated. I’m very proud of every one of them!”

The driving conditions remained challenging throughout the 25 stage race programme. “Where the gravel had been cleared aside, the surface was as hard as concrete,” said Guy Fréquelin. “That’s not easy for a driver arriving at a corner at something like 200 kph!” Sébastien Loeb agreed: “I prefer gravel events which allow you to choose your own lines, but it’s interesting to have to drive tidily as you do here. In places, the precision required is similar to that needed on asphalt.”