Loeb and Ogier set for tense finale

Sebastien Loeb is resigned to his first-ever defeat on ADAC Rallye Deutschland tomorrow - but the seven-time world champion has spoken out against his team-mate Sebastien Ogier, who he believes is talking too much about Citroen’s team strategy.

Loeb seemed set for his ninth consecutive victory in Germany until the final stage today when he picked up a front-left puncture and lost a minute. Loeb confirmed that the priority for the team was to guarantee a one-two finish.

“When we had the order to keep the position I was in front,” he said. “For sure it is something to do, we are driving for a manufacturer.”

But Ogier did not disguise his feelings when Loeb’s puncture meant that he took the lead after stage 14, the repeat of the Arena Panzerplatte test.

“I said sometimes there is justice in the sport,” the younger Frenchman commented. “People who have all the elements can judge but I won’t say anything more about that.”

Loeb believes that Ogier’s comments were out of line, which has created friction between the two French stars.

“I think he’s speaking a bit too much,” said Loeb. “It will be difficult to beat him, as he is more than one minute in the lead. He didn’t have any punctures: I had the puncture.”

Ogier however thinks that a victory for him tomorrow would owe nothing to luck.

“For myself, I just continue to do my best,” he concluded. “Today I tried to have a very clean drive, I did my pace notes and understood many things that can help in the future. I am satisfied with that. I think I can still be faster in the future and that is the most important thing in my mind.”