can Loeb still win it?
Sebastian Loeb's arm breaking injury has thrown the WRC 2006 championship wide open. Loeb would be out of action for a few rallies.
This gives Marcus Gronholm the chance to close down the gap to Loeb. That he has done so by winning the Turkish rally in Loeb's first forced absence. The gap is now down to 25pts with another 3 rounds and 30 pts to go.
Loeb has been stupendous this season and has so far won 8 of the 12 rounds he has contested this year (he came second to Gronholm in the remaining 4 rounds contested). Loeb is now targetting to return in New Zealand for the penultimate round.
extract:
Loeb targets New Zealand return
By Glenn Freeman Wednesday, October 18th 2006, 13:27 GMT
Sebastien Loeb is aiming to be back in action at Rally New Zealand after it was confirmed that he won't compete in Australia at the end of the month.
The Frenchman admitted earlier this week that the Australian event would probably too early for his return, and his Kronos Citroen team have confirmed that Xevi Pons will drive the no.1 Xsara in Loeb's place.
"I will do my best to come back to New Zealand to win the championship," said Loeb. "Marcus (Gronholm) has an opportunity, but there is big pressure on him."
Gronholm cut Loeb's championship lead down to 25 points with three rounds remaining last weekend in Turkey, while Ford also moved ahead of Citroen in the manufacturers' championship.
New Zealand is the penultimate round of this year's championship in the middle of November, so Loeb still has a month to recover from his injuries if he is to make the event.
Can Loeb clinch it? Or would his arm still be an impediment, and allow Gronholm a free run to the flag as it were? I am a Loeb / Citroen supporter, so i will be keen to see Loeb clinch the double.
Nail biting stuff.
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Nohad:
Very very high chances unless he is totally out for the rest of the season.
For Gronholm to close the 25 points deficit, he will need to win 1 more race and finish in 2nd place for 2 races with Loeb not gaining any point.
Chances of Gronholm achieving such finishing is possible as Solberg is still facing his strings of bad luck this year.
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»Jules:
not ec for Gronholm but nothing is impossible in motorsports esp rallying!
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»OSFlanker:
Yes he can!!!!!
Even though he won it because Gronholm failed to finish in the top 4 in Australia, I am sure he would have won it outright when he return after injury. Now, all eyes on Rossi in NZ!
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»Jules:
yeap, loeb wrc champ again.....
and kinda sad for rossi too on bikes.....crashing out like that!!! but as the commentators said it - gracious till end even when he lost esp how he shooked and thanked all members of team, when he pulled into his own pit. ( all team members clapping their hands )
that's what sports and motorsports is all about....giving ur best!
sorry i went tangent.....
CONGRATS MONSIEUR LOEB!!!
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»TheFazz:
well done seb! he did it even without coming back! excellent drive all year. i have not seen a smoother, more composed rally driver than sebastian loeb.
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»TheFazz:
shame. he very rarely makes such costly mistakes. well done hayden.
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»TheFazz:
ONE YEAR LATER, and Sebastian Loeb has clinched yet another World Rally Championship - and his 4th consecutive world championship. Well done Loeb. Well done to Gronholm for pushing Loeb all the way, and making his way into retirement.
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