The relationship between Citroen Racing’s teammates Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier seems to have degraded since the Rally of Mexico, where Loeb clinched victory after Ogier was forced to retire following an accident while leading.
On Saturday evening Citroen Sport boss Olivier Quesnel asked his drivers to freeze their positions, with Ogier leading Loeb.
But the seven-time World Rally Champion refused to give up the fight, arguing that he lost the lead on Saturday following a 50-second penalty for checking late at the start of SS16 (as he lost time to have a broken gearbox repaired).
With Loeb highly determined to catch his young teammate on Sunday, Quesnel asked his drivers to just finish the race.
Under intense pressure from Loeb, Ogier made a driving mistake and went off the road during the very first stage on Sunday. The Citroen DS3 suffered a broken wheel and was forced to retire. Loeb retook first position and eventually clinched victory at the end of the day.
“This year, we are two drivers that are able to win,” said Loeb.
On Saturday evening Citroen Sport boss Olivier Quesnel asked his drivers to freeze their positions, with Ogier leading Loeb.
But the seven-time World Rally Champion refused to give up the fight, arguing that he lost the lead on Saturday following a 50-second penalty for checking late at the start of SS16 (as he lost time to have a broken gearbox repaired).
With Loeb highly determined to catch his young teammate on Sunday, Quesnel asked his drivers to just finish the race.
Under intense pressure from Loeb, Ogier made a driving mistake and went off the road during the very first stage on Sunday. The Citroen DS3 suffered a broken wheel and was forced to retire. Loeb retook first position and eventually clinched victory at the end of the day.
“This year, we are two drivers that are able to win,” said Loeb.
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| Photo: Citroën Racing |