Sebastien Loeb, One Step Away from Perfection in Germany

Rally Germany has little surprises in store for 6-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, as this is the place where nobody else has won a WRC round. Returning to the scene where he bagged his first ever world rally championship win – back in 2002 – Loeb is now on the brink of setting yet another record in the WRC.

If the Frenchman triumphs in this weekend's Rally Germany, he will become the only driver in the history of the sport to win the same event 8 times. Since the event made it into the WRC calendar, nobody else has won it but Loeb, whose 7 consecutive wins equal Marcus Gronholm's record in Rally Finland (7 wins in 8 years).

Nevertheless, it seems the pressure does not affect Loeb too much, as the Citroen driver is more focused on the situation in the 2010 overall classification than his potentially record-breaking weekend. A win here would further boost his chances of becoming world champion for the 7th consecutive time, as it would set him at least 2 rally wins apart from nearest rival Sebastien Ogier.

“I have won here every time, so it's okay for me. The priority here, like everywhere is for the championship. I will start this rally at my speed and if I find the feeling then I will push,” said Loeb prior to Rally Germany, according to Autosport.

While admitting that Rally Germany is one of the toughest tarmac-surfaced rallies in the WRC – due to grip related issues – Loeb revealed he will not take unnecessary risks for the win.

“In Bulgaria (on the last asphalt WRC round) I was able to find the rhythm quite well, it would be good if it's the same here. If I have to take risks to fight, then I don't think I will,” added the French driver.