Despite the fact that he had already ridden with the Ford Puma Rally1 away from the World Rally Championship, Pierre-Louis Loubet made his debut with the M-Sport car in the WRC at the last Rally of Croatia. Although the Frenchman was unable to obtain a good result due to a triple puncture in the first stage that forced him to retire, Loubet showed good pace with the Cumbrian team ‘Rally1’ during the second and third stages after rejoining the event. In fact, Pierre-Louis’ times were very competitive during both days.
Fueled by his good performance after returning to the rally, Pierre-Louis Loubet has been satisfied with his debut at the wheel of the Ford Puma Rally1 in the WRC and already counting the days to compete again with the M-Sport car. The wait will not be as long as the one that Loubet has had to assume until his return to the World Cup, since the French pilot has been practically in the dry dock since September due to a traffic accident in Paris in which he broke his pelvis.
By the way, Pierre-Louis Loubet He has changed Hyundai for M-Sport and after a disappointing 2021, the driver from Bastia has regained his enthusiasm: «I am very happy to compete again. It has been very difficult to stand during these seven months at home, but now I feel that I am finally back. I am also very happy because I feel comfortable with the car. I have been impressed with the Ford Puma Rally1 from the first time I got behind the wheel and I am looking forward to making my gravel debut with this car at the Rally de Portugal.”
«With M-Sport I feel like I have everything I need to compete. The situation is good to be competitive this season. I feel lucky to have everything in place to face a good season. The times at Rally Croatia indicate that we may be fighting for important things, but you have to go step by step and keep improving. There are still many things about the car to discover, so we have to go little by little »added Loubet by way of analysis.
Already looking at the Rally de Portugal, the 25-year-old driver stated: «It will be my seventh appearance at the Rally de Portugal. I have very good memories of this event since, in 2015, in my first presence, I managed to finish second in the Junior WRC. In addition, I achieved victory in WRC2 with a Skoda Fabia R5 three seasons ago. We have to go well there and we have a good starting position.. Portugal is a rally in which I have always felt good. I have no experience with the car on gravel, but the times in Croatia were consistent and we can be fast».
Photos: Red Bull Content Pool