Let’s admit it, this WRC Rallye de France was about one person, Frenchmen Sebastien Loeb. With his 60th overall WRC rally victory under his belt at his home rally, Rallye de France, Sebastien Loeb also wrapped up his 7th World Rally Championship driver’s title. “This is fantastic,” said Loeb. “This has been a very impressive rally. It has been very difficult and I didn’t expect so many people to be here. This is the best result for me to win the championship here in France.”
Sebastien Loeb wrapped up his 7th World Rally Driver's Points Championship with a victory at the 2010 WRC Rallye De France
Things could not have been much more perfect for Loeb, as he wrapped up the victory on the final stage in Haguenau, the town where Loeb was born. Loeb led the rally from the beginning to the end dominating yet another tarmac rally.
The weather played a big role in the outcome of the rally. With mud and gravel being dragged onto the tarmac stages in certain areas it made for difficult set up choices and inconsistent grip levels. Running first on the stages actually came as an advantage this time around, giving him the clearest and most consistent lines. Loeb took full advantage of this driving to a 35.7 second victory over his Citroen teammate Dani Sordo. The 1-2 finish of the Citroens, also was enough to wrap up the 2010 World Rally Championship manufacturer’s title for the Citroen team.
Citroen privateer Petter Solberg wrapped up another podium finish right behind Sordo in 3rd. The 3rd place finish in France inched him ever closer to the 3rd place standing in the 2010 driver’s points standings behind Jari-Matti Latvala, who finished in 4th. Both drivers suffered setbacks on the final day. Solberg had an off-road excursion on the Bitche stage, which allowed Latvala to close the gap back to around 14 seconds after Latvala swiped a straw bale earlier in the day.
Ogier hits a tree at the 2010 WRC Rallye De France
Latvala’s Ford factory teammate Mikko Hirvonen finished in fifth after struggling with getting his car setup properly throughout the entire weekend. Behind Hirvonen was Citroen Junior driver Sebastien Ogier, who was able to finish in 6th despite having to retire on Sat. after striking a tree and having damper issues. Saturday was not a good day for the Citroen Junior team as Ogier’s teammate Kimi Raikkonen also had an off and was forced to retire from the event. Despite getting the car repaired in time for Sunday, Raikkonen decided not to risk another off and sat out Sunday’s stages.
Ken Block navigates his Monster Energy Ford Focus rally car at the Rallye de France
Ken Block was finally able to complete his first WRC event of the year, finishing in 12th. Block suffered a time penalty after he was late to the leave the service area on Sat. as his mechanics rushed to replace a hydraulic actuator on his Monster Energy Ford Focus rally car. Block was still happy with his finish, despite the set back on Saturday. “This was a very challenging rally, from treacherous road conditions to the mechanical issues we dealt with that not only robbed us of time on stage, but cost us a 1 minute 40 second penalty as well.” says Block. “So I am really stoked that we not only finished it, but managed to gain back some positions after our numerous set backs.” Even though Block was trying to make up time, it didn’t stop him from entertaining the French crowds with some extra hoonage. Block was rewarded for his perseverance through mechanical issues with the Abu Dhabi spirit of the Rally award.
On-board with Ken Block at 2010 Rallye De France
The WRC resumes action Oct. 22-24 at the RACC Rally de Espana.
