Ford were the force to be reckoned with before fate intervened here in 2008, and Loeb was victorious. Two years on, and not much has changed for Séb, though some of the other key names to note have. So, who are they?
Sébastien Loeb (FRA) – Citroën
Position in WRC drivers’ standings: 1 (93pts)
There are more challengers than last year for Loeb’s crown, certainly, but they seem to be cancelling each other out, and the indomitable Frenchman now has an advantage of a rally win and a half at the top of the drivers’ standings. Loeb’s win here two years ago was at the expense of Ford retirements, and he only won once before that, in 2005. His main challenger then, however, was the absent Marcus Grönholm, who pretty much owned this rally, with a record five wins. And did we mention that Loeb is 40 points ahead after four rallies? Yet again, life is looking very comfortable for the six-time champ.
Sébastien Ogier (FRA) – Citroën
Position in WRC drivers’ standings: 5 (45pts)
Well done, Sébastien Ogier. The Citroën Junior Team driver originally had just 12 rallies on the slate for this season, but consistent form and his demonstration of genuine rally-winning potential have produced the third-highest number of stage wins behind only Sébastien Loeb and Petter Solberg – who have won the last seven world championships between them. Loyal support for his Citroën team-mates may also be a factor in NZ being added to the Ogier/Ingrassia schedule. As a debutant, the rally’s roads will all be new, but Ogier really has nothing to lose.
Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) – Citroën
Position in WRC drivers’ standings: 10 (14pts)
Eighth on the Jordan Rally, fifth in Turkey – suddenly, Kimi’s supposed ‘sabbatical’ in WRC is looking like a serious campaign. Now in the top 10 overall, the Finn is starting to breathe down the necks of experienced campaigners like Henning Solberg. Räikkönen has always had the raw pace, but it now seems that learning from experienced co-pilot Kaj Lindström is keeping his C4 WRC on the road and making that pace count.
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) – Ford
Position in WRC drivers’ standings: 3 (52pts)
Perhaps surprisingly, Mikko (like his team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala) is looking forward to this rally, despite the fact that a late retirement at the last Rally NZ in 2008 cost him certain victory and marked a personal career low point. Maybe driving pleasure alone on a rally he describes as ‘fast and fun’ is driving his enthusiasm, but whatever the reason, Ford and Hirvonen need a shot in the arm here after seeing Petter Solberg overtake Mikko into second in the standings in Turkey despite Mikko’s podium (he suffered a puncture which blew his chance of victory), with a shunt also ruining team-mate Latvala’s rally. Mikko is too experienced to let a little maths cloud his thoughts this early in the season – he’s only a point behind Petter after all – and perhaps having a little fun in the Focus is just what the doctor ordered.
Petter Solberg (NOR) – Citroën
Position in WRC drivers’ standings: 2 (53pts)
Perhaps talk of regaining the title he ceded to Loeb seven long years ago is a little premature, but Petter is currently giving himself every chance, and what’s more, he’s loving it. Another second place in Turkey gave him the psychological boost of becoming Loeb’s nearest challenger, and the C4 is obviously still the car to be in. With non-manufacturer status allowing privateer Petter a pre-rally test on New Zealand’s roads, the set-up of his Citroën (pictured, top) should be just right – just as well, seeing as his lofty position means that he will be sweeping the gravel roads for nearest rival Hirvonen behind him…
Comments
Add a comment