Loix satisfied after taking IRC title lead

While Freddy Loix conceded that he ultimately lacked the pace to take the fight to Thierry Neuville and Jan Kopecký on Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc last week he nevertheless left the Mediterranean island as the new leader of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The BFO Škoda Rally Team ace, co-driven by Frédéric Miclotte, finished third on the asphalt counter to take a five-point lead in the drivers’ classification.

He said: “Very soon in the race after one day of driving it was clear that the speed of Thierry and Jan was too quick for me. Sooner or later I knew I had to start to drive to take the lead of the championship before going home. The lucky thing is we managed to do this.”

With round four of the IRC, next month’s Prime Yalta Rally, not part of Loix’s schedule of events in 2011, the 40-year-old Belgian will return to action on his home event, the Geko Ypres Rally, which takes place from 23-25 June.

“I don’t think by Ypres I will still be leading [the championship] but this gives me more fighting spirit to be back as the leader after Ypres,” said Loix.