Loeb looking forward to Mexico

Eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb heads for the sunshine of Rally Mexico a happy man, despite being surprised at the number of mistakes he made on Rally Sweden.

Loeb admitted he made more mistakes than usual in Sweden, while trying to beat the Scandinavians at their own game.

Despite finishing the last event in sixth place, Loeb still leads the FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia as the series heads across the Atlantic for its first gravel outing of the season.

“Mexico is a rally that I have often done well at and that I like,” said Loeb. “Normally there should be less snow!”

Loeb has won the Leon-based rally for the last five times it has run, with Ford’s Petter Solberg the last driver to beat him in 2005.

Looking back to Sweden, Loeb added: “It was hard to beat the Scandinavians on their territory this year. In fact, I have the speed, but I find it hard to have the consistency. I do not know why, but I made a lot of mistakes here compared to the average rallies.”

Loeb’s Rally Sweden did end on a high, when the Citroen DS3 WRC driver collected three bonus points for the fastest time on the Power Stage.

Leading the championship, Loeb will be the first driver into the first ever gravel Qualifying stage which runs on Thursday March 8, ahead of the ceremonial start and hugely popular DC Shoes Guanajuato Street Stage.