Thrills and Spills - Loeb is BACK! | WRC Rallye Monte Carlo 2022
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- Publicado el 20 ene 2022
- Sébastien Loeb became the oldest driver to lead an FIA World Rally Championship round after a sensational return to dominate Rallye Monte-Carlo on Friday.
As he approaches his 48th birthday, the Frenchman won four of the six French Alps speed tests to lead the first rally of the WRC's innovative new hybrid era by 9.9sec in M-Sport's Ford Puma.
The Monaco-based event is Loeb's first WRC outing for more than a year and, currently, a one-off appearance with the British squad.
Loeb was second after Thursday night's short opening leg behind old foe Sébastien Ogier. He charged by his fellow countryman in the last of the morning's three special stages and preserved his advantage in the afternoon, despite a small technical issue.
"The first four stages were really great, then we had a little hybrid problem," he explained. "In the last stage I made a good drive, but maybe it was freezing a bit more. We had some little ice coming out at the end of the stage, so it was a bit tricky.
"I was really surprised when I was doing the best time in yesterday's shakedown in the first pass. Usually in shakedown I'm not great, but with this car I was immediately in the rhythm. It's not a big gap, but I'm happy to be leading after the first full day."
Ogier dropped to third behind Toyota GR Yaris team-mate Elfyn Evans after a cautious approach on frosty roads in this morning's final stage, but fastest time on the afternoon repeat promoted him back to second.
A wary run in the same test cost Evans valuable seconds. The Welshman ended 12.1sec adrift of his colleague after a frustrating day learning the intricacies of driving with the hybrid system for the first time in competition.
Thierry Neuville topped an intense battle for fourth in a Hyundai i20 N. His day improved after an eye-opening first stage in which he described the balance as 'a nightmare'. "I've never been so scared while driving," he said.
The Belgian stiffened his car's settings and ended 8.9sec clear of team-mate Ott Tänak, with Craig Breen dropping 2.5sec behind the Estonian in the final stage in another Puma.
Team-mate Gus Greensmith celebrated his first WRC stage win en route to seventh. But for a minor problem with the hybrid system, the Briton would have been snapping on Neuville's heels.
Adrien Fourmaux was fourth overnight, but the Frenchman crashed his Puma down a ravine in the opening test. He and co-driver Alex Coria escaped injury, a testament to the new enhanced safety cell chassis introduced this year.
Saturday's action switches west for five stages near Digne-les-Bains. Three morning tests precede a tyre change in the town before the latter two are repeated. The day features two climbs of the mythical Col de Fontbelle, likely to feature several kilometres of snow and ice at the summit.
Leading positions after Friday
1. S Loeb / I Galmiche FRA Ford Puma 1hr 22min 49.0sec
2. S Ogier / B Veillas FRA Toyota GR Yaris +9.9sec
3. E Evans / S Martin GBR Toyota GR Yaris +22.0sec
4. T Neuville / M Wydaeghe BEL Hyundai i20 +47.8sec
5. O Tänak / M Järveoja EST Hyundai i20 +56.7sec
6. C Breen / P Nagle IRL Ford Puma +59.2sec
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Loeb is just another word for Goat. What a beast. Can’t wait for this season. 🤘
He's so good, I tired of watching rally coverage in the mid 2000's let's hope this GOAT doesnt stink it up too bad. Ha ha
Was he always wearing glasses when driving before, or is it because of his age now?
Either way, will always look forward to his drive!😍
Steps out of Dakar rally desert car and into WRC car still faster than most everyone
Awesome performance!!! I like ogie but i love Loeb!!!
Heyyyy bcpov didnt expect you here :)
Really hoping for Loeb to take this one home. That would be a beautiful way to cap off a story that began in earnest 20 years ago, on those very same roads.
i watch loeb since 2002 and now 2022 he is still on top of his game! i feel so old now
What about Loeb himself
me too man. i remember watching loeb the snot nosed new kid beating burns and mcrae like a flawless driving robot on speed channel late at night. speed channel doesn't even exist anymore haha.
I still have memories of his debut, racing against Colin McRae and Richard Burns.
It’s like yesterday watching the tv recaps of him ripping the Citroen
Me too! I love WRC since 2002 also, and even bought me a Mitsubishi Evolution when they launched it in the US. So many memories flying around the canyons in Malibu, turning sideways on hairpins and exploding out of the apex at 6000 RPM and full boost…
Loeb seems like he is pushing hard from the start & he is happy with the car...so I think he will be hard to beat for sure.
Then he won 😂
Loeb, one week from 5000km on the Dakar and now back on the WRC at the front.
Loeb has only just stepped off the Dakar podium❗️for cripes sake. He couldn’t of even had a day off, but liking how quick he is 👍🇬🇧✌️
Couldn't have
Dakar was a good warm up!
Loeb is not a legend, he is the LEGEND of the legends.
Jesus Christ, Loeb is just from another planet ! We've been truly lucky of watching that man drive.
Ahhh life is good. I love that WRC starts so early and continues for most of the year compared to other International motorsports. Mr. Chen and Red Bull coverage the best as always.
So good to see the Master Seb Loeb back, throwing it down early and making his intentions clear to the rest of the drivers. Never has there been a driver so clearly at one with his car. No matter what the conditions and car set-up, he has the ability to know exactly how much grip is available and how hard to push.
The Master for the win.
Sebastian Loeb is an alien, no question about it. How he does this is unknown to us mortals. He's so calm and collected as well, like he's only been in the sim for a couple of hours barely breaking a sweat
What a legend! Loeb is amazing!
Loeb, stunning performance. Still cool as always. And all that in a brand new car. True Champ, hope he will win.
Leob is an absolute legend. At his age many other drivers have retired. But he goes from strength to strength. Off the back of 2nd in Dakar, comes into a new car and team and is driving like he never left! 🐐🐐🐐
See Loeb is in a different universe. He’s a driving computer. His stage memory is unbelievable.
@InstallShield Wizard Schumacher lost concentration plenty, made much more driving mistakes than Hamilton or Loeb.
It's more about his feel of the car's limits and ability to not lose concentration, pretty much like Schumacher.
Got my blood boiling for some Rally, heading to the Simulator ! Great Racing, I'll put my $ on Loeb and the Seat of the Pants Experience over the Youthful Reflexes and Bravery. Great start to 2022 !
First season of wrc I’ve ever watched can’t wait to see how this everything turns out! Really love watching Oliver race out there, the new pumas are pretty sweet though, I was sad to see the fiesta go but this thing is awesome!
Haha! I expected Leob to be on top.
Props to Gus! His reaction was priceless!
One of the all time great performances- LOEB!
Realmente tiene algo especial Loeb que no tienen los demás. Es un piloto increíble, extremadamente fino pero hay algo más que hipnotiza a la gente. Cómo ocurría con Michael Jordan, por ejemplo. Da gusto verlo porque además transmite esa especie de serenidad. Es mágico.
Loeb es increíble, mi máximo respeto a éste grandísimo piloto, cada día hace más grande su leyenda.
Thank you for sponsoring such a sport!!!!!
Loeb seems to be the one who just feels comfortable in a new car. He just slots in. Loeb is going to win this one.
Absolute legend greatest driver of all time Sebastian loeb
GO SEB!!! backing the Toyota but so happy to see Loeb back in epic form.....a win by Loeb will be crazy.
Amazing to see the legend come back and nail the competition. I used to be very frustrated with his dominance as a kid but in awe now. Crazy.
The combination of new car, new car on tricky roads, years that he did not compete full time at this level and missed proper training, new co-driver and age, all come against Loeb's anticipated performance. Yet, there he goes. He's at pace or faster than the previous year's full time driver and champion, Ogier. Its extraordinary.
Man, I hope he wins this rally and actually all rallies that he will compete in this year.
Thank you Red Bull for the coverage you do on your website...without it I wouldn't have caught a single rally for the last few years. This years production seems to be even better than previous years and I have nothing but respect for your professionalism. Thank you.
I'm a Toyota guy but it's a dream to see Mr Loeb in action.
It is so good to see a tight race between these lads, but Loeb's talent and experience seams to be unbeatable.
este resumen es mucho mejor que el del canal oficial, gracias!
This is once again the best resume of the day. Thanks to all involved...😊👍👍👍
It’s insane that Loeb is still so awesome!
Loeb is just phenomenal 😍
I thought Loeb was an alien in 02' and still proves there is life out there.
Loeb a (toujours) un sacré potentiel, sans prendre le melon. Ceci dit Ogier est un fin tacticien; il l'a déjà prouvé. En outre il sait garder son sang froid. Un duel franco-français : le rêve !
Great to Loeb back in the seat!
💥🚀💗 Congrats to Ford team for assembling such a firecracker 👏
THE MASTER IS BACK. ONELOVE FROM WALES
A happy Loeb wont be beaten he is a genius it appears to come easy to him, nice to see 3 colours of cars in with a shout. may the best man win. will be watching the stage times rolling up the screen tomorrow.
Toujours là l'ancien ! La saison va être belle !
48 y.o, few days after a tiring 5000 km of the Dakar rallye, and he won it anyway... With almost a beginner as copilote (together I mean) and in a new car for him. Incredible ! the LEGEND is back.
I like how these drivers will go 10/10ths on mountain roads, but they’re still sane enough to put on a mask.
Nice seeing Ford being competitive
Great to see Loeb back!
Great 2 see the legend loeb back in wrc
Loeb is one of the best pure drivers I’ve seen in 30 years👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😀
At his age he is still the best ...Loeb the master😀👍
Nice driving by Loeb 👍🏼
With Full Force!!! Bravo Seb Bravo!!!
The legend is back ❤️🇲🇨
Straight from dakar to wrc,. Loeb is a Legend, can't wait to see him in Kenya.
Nice to see sèb as tian loeb back behind the wheel,i remember him from back in the day,with collin mcrae tommi mäkinen carolś sainz markko martin,marcus gronholm,petter solberg and the gang..
Guess who´s back ? Sebastiens are back and they will be going round the outside xD
Niiiiiiiiiiiiice job for Gus Greensmith on his first stagewin ... that moment where you are faster than the rest of the world must be so priceless ... keep going, Gus !!!
Loving the Ford Puma and ofc the Ace Seb Loeb!
This guy is timeless!
Mr. Loeb just came back from the Dakar, and now he is doing such a things!? G.O.A.T.
Loeb is such an animal... 9 wrc world titles, a pikes peak record, dakar runner up and weeks after the grueling dakar rally, he's back in a WRC car and leading the rally. He is on another level. 🔥🔥
Loeb won X-Games too !!
Loeb is an absolute beast!
Loeb the all time king of the rally kings, greetings from Germany
Gotta feel sorry for Gus. Dude's aim for the year was a fastest stage time, and he achieves it at the first event on the first day? What's he gonna do with himself now?
I'm ecstatic to see Loeb leading the event. He gives hope to 40-somethings the world over that you being "past your peak" is merely a state of mind. I mean, at this point, Loeb has got to be one of the Top 3 greatest racing drivers of all time? Has any sportsman ever mastered one aspect of their sport like Loeb has mastered tarmac? Supreme, ans underappreciated during his time because he dominated so much. I hope he wins. Would be a tremendous story.
@Nathan Korte He’s trying to say that Loeb is the real deal.
@Madjayax LMAO. So what's the excuses for the younger guys when they're dominated by an older driver?
Many fans give excuse to their early or late 40ish idols when get beaten and even obliterated by their younger drivers teammates. This happen because theirs glory days speed came from having car performance advantage to others.
@Bub Saggo I was joking about Gus. Of course he'll adjust his goals for the rest of the year.
Surely Gus feels he has some momentum after that stage win and will set his sights on a loftier goal for himself. And Loeb coming back to WRC in a totally new car and still slaying like he hasn't missed a beat is very impressive.
The cars are all sounding really good off throttle, especially the Toyota's, sounding like when F1 had blown diffusers.
LOEB IS BACK LOEB IS BAAAAAAACK !!!!!!!!!!!!! GO SEB !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!§
"I've never been so scared" coming from a rally driver that's crazy.
@Drazen Budis that's true but I think it's more the new car.
That’s why he’ll never be a champ, unfortunately
@Questa è Benzinah yes my friend.
There is something very wrong on the Hyundai, that state touched me also.
Happy for Gus and his first 🥳🤩
Ford,....how lucky are you to have the greatest of all time in your stable,....loving the crazy fast hybrid's....,,kudos Seb's navigator, it's a team!
nice to see m sport bringing the right tools for the job
Sempre e tutta la vita Sebastian Loob 👍.grande campione
loeb is back and he still super quick.. ford looking good this year.
20 years ago it was Loeb, and 20 years later still him. And Seb could be a perfect name for racing drivers:)
Ya just can’t keep a good man down , Loeb all the way.
He is just awesome!
Loeb je vrhunski vozač i čovjeka 👍✌️🙏🇭🇷
Well done Gus. What an achievement to be beating the 2 world champs by getting your first stage win. Keep it up.
Phenomenal car control.
Gnarly!!!👏👏👏👏
These cars are unreal, the regs are just right, manual change sorts the men out from the boys.
The master is back, Loeb does it fast and quick.
Loeb = Legend
Puma looks very good as well!
With every generation, in every sport, new talents are faster, stronger, more creative, more durable....
Loeb:"Hold my d'ale!"
Le débat est définitivement tranché, Loeb est le meilleur pilote Rally de tous les temps #GOAT
quelque soit le résultat final, il a montré qu après une décennie d absence en WRC, un manque de rythme évident,l absence de son copilote de légende, et manque de préparation dû au Dakar le mois passé, bref 47 ans et compétitif ... Respect 😍
Damn the puma is fast and loeb makes it even faster ogier and Toyota have a great new "enemy"
Nah just loeb is the enemy of toyota that guy basically cheat for wrc hahah
Loeb is not the GOAT of Rallye. He is the absolute GOD of this sport.
...man, even with white hair the guy keeps kicking ass !!! Oo
Mandem literally came straight from the desert to the ice and here there's no Nasser to stop him winning all the time.
WRC G.O.A.T Seb, is pure Class!!
High speed skills, high hospital bills...one would say.
But once you're living legend, what else can you do but being it...?
Loeb is fresh from Dakar, he is winning this season.
nice to see loeb in a ford hope they both get the crown
Silly question t ask only one answer Loeb(GOAT)
Legend!
Cheers for more highlights this 2022
Gooo , gooo Loeb!!!! GOOOO
That new Puma is a hell of a Rallycar !
I like the exhaust sound ♪
COISA LINDA
Super LOEB 🔱🚘
the harder they make it (the rules) the better loeb does!!!
So slow. So clunky. So unskilled looking.
I was extremely excited for electric.
Now I think I've fully changed my mind.
Cry me a river
Says the guy who sit on the couch
I think it'd be great if ear Loeb won.
I stopped watching WRC because of the Loeb dominance. And here I am now, eye glued to the racing because I would love for the GOAT to win this. Otherworldly performance already. Love it.