Loeb: It didn’t go as planned...

Sebastien Loeb has admitted he was at maximum attack, and hoping to take victory, when he crashed out of Rallye de France on this morning’s opening stage.

The outgoing world champion began the day fourth, just five seconds off the lead, and hoping to end his record breaking career with a 79th WRC rally win.

But his challenge ended just 1km into the rain soaked Vignoble de Cleebourg stage (SS15), when his Citroen DS3 rolled into a ditch.

Back at the Strasbourg service area, Loeb told wrc.com what happened: “I started flat out because it was a close situation. We were fourth, fighting for the victory, but it didn’t go as I planned…” he said.

“I lost the rear in a fast right corner, and then we had a spin and I finished in the ditch. And that was the race over. For sure I would have preferred to have finished my last rally here, but it didn’t go according to the plan.”

However Loeb, who will switch to a World Touring Car programme with Citroen next season, remained philosophical.

“I’m not happy about the situation but I was not driving for the championship so I don’t need the points. I do feel sorry for the spectators and for the team though. There are a lot of spectators waiting in the stages and I won’t be driving through.

"For me it’s okay, I have some new plans for the future. I would have preferred to finish on the podium here on my last rally, but that’s life,” he added.