Loeb excited ahead of New Zealand return

Sebastien Loeb is relishing tackling Brother Rally New Zealand’s spectacular gravel stages later this month, even though he concedes fortune hasn’t always favoured him on the FIA World Rally Championship qualifier.

Loeb heads to the Southern Hemisphere next week to begin preparing for the seventh round of the WRC in Auckland from 21-24 June. Following his victory on the Acropolis Rally in Greece last month, the Citroen star tops the standings by 30 points as he chases his ninth world title.

“The roads are fast and flowing and driving there is very thrilling I have to say,” said the 38-year-old, a two-time winner in New Zealand. “It’s always been a rally with a lot happening too - sometimes in our favour, sometimes less but an interesting rally.”

Loeb finished third when the WRC last visited New Zealand back in 2010. Victory this year would bring his total number of wins to 72, although the Frenchman admits the rally throws up a number of challenges.

“The roads are different and special with that very typical camber which makes driving particular,” he said. “Driving in New Zealand is different especially because of those cambered roads and it’s unique because it’s really far away, a long journey with jetlag. But the landscape is spectacular with some incredible places.”