WRC
Rallye Sanremo: Citroen leg one summary
Seb's Xsara in the lead Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena and their Xsara WRC returned to Sanremo in the lead after winning four special stages out the six on today's programme. Two years ago I conceeded 30 seconds on the first day and I finished ...
Published: Oct 4, 2003, 8:08 PM
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Seb's Xsara in the lead
Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena and their Xsara WRC returned to Sanremo in the lead after winning four special stages out the six on today's programme. Two years ago I conceeded 30 seconds on the first day and I finished 11 seconds behind the leader so, this is why I decided to attack from the start", explained Seb'.
Today the Xsara was absolutely perfect and we haven't changed a single thing. I had to drive really fast even in the fog on stage two to keep up with Markko Märtin. After a tight left-hand corner following a fast section, I had to handbrake and we hit a bank with the rear left of the car but luckily it caused no damage. I also lost a bit of time in the following group of stages, but it wasn't worrying considering I didn't compete in stage three and the majority of stage four last year so today I was learning them."
The car was going really well
Lying fourth tonight, Carlos was satisfied with his day. "I was expecting to suffer more given the medical problems I experienced last week but the car was going really well and the only difficulty I encountered was with the hydraulics."
Colin McRae experienced a problem-free first leg and lies in seventh tonight.
"I started on a steady pace and was cautious in the fog. I am quite surprised with the weather though because it's a really dry Sanremo. However I prefer it like that so I hope tomorrow will be similar because the long stage will be very demanding."
I have a good feeling again
Philippe Bugalski followed his plans for a progressive comeback and returned to Parc fermé for the overnight halt in ninth. "For me the last 'real' tarmac rally was here exactly one year ago. I have a good feeling again with the car but I'm still a bit reserved". The French driver was encouraged by an eighth fastest time on stage five, before being slowed down by the fog : "It began six kilometres from the start of the stage and made progress really difficult for eight kilometres. It's a pity because the car is just perfect, very easy to drive, and at this moment I felt completely confident with it. I hope tomorrow I'll be feeling the same way."
The second leg comprises only four stages but Teglia -- 52,3 km long -- features twice, representing a quarter of the total rally route and could be the most challenging test of the event.
Telefónica Movistar, Michelin, Magneti-Marelli, Kinetic, OZ, AIS and Citroën Financement are the partners of Team Citroën Total in the World Rally Championship
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