The 2018 World RX of Canada started off well for Sebastien Loeb, going fastest in both Q1 and Q2 to end Saturday’s action as Top Qualifier.
Sunday was a different for the Team Peugeot Total driver however where he would finish second overall to Johan Kristoffersson at the end of Qualifying. A mistake on Sunday led to contact with the wall and this lost him the chance to stay as TQ.
Starting the Supercar Final from the back row, Loeb pushed hard to make up ground and was duly rewarded with third place, behind team-mate Timmy Hansen.
The increase in pace from the Peugeot’s was clear in Canada. Credit: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool
“We had a perfect day on Saturday but Sunday wasn’t as good: in the morning I had a contact with Mattias Ekstrom and then in the semi-final I made a mistake, which was my fault, and that meant that I was starting the final on the third row – which is never easy.”
“Still, to start on the row and then end up on the podium is not bad, so in the end I am happy about this team result and to share the podium with Timmy.”
One thing is very clear from the performance of the Peugeot 208 WRX Supercars in Canada. They have closed the gap significantly and they will be chasing hard for wins in the second half of the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship.
Loeb was fastest on Saturday in Canada and threatened for the win. Credit: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool
Team Peugeot Total sent out a clear message and with the 2018 World RX of France next, they will be looking for the home win.
“For me it was an up and down weekend, as is often the case in rallycross,” explained the French driver.
“We’ve carried out plenty of evolutions on this car since driving it for the first time in Sweden and the progress is clear to see: we’re fighting against the top factory cars now and we’ve made up some positions in the championships. So it’s been a very nice battle all weekend and I’m happy to be on the podium at the end of it.”
