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Sebastien Loeb flies past onlookers - Source: Reuters -
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Five-times world champion Sebastien Loeb knows he has only an outside chance of retaining his title going into the Rally of Spain starting on Saturday.
The Frenchman, who won the first five faces of the season but has not claimed victory since, trails Mikko Hirvonen by five points with two rounds left.
Loeb was stripped of victory and relegated to second place behind Hirvonen in last month's Rally of Australia because of a technical infringement with his Citroen car.
Finland's Hirvonen needs to finish only second in Spain and Britain to take the title even if Loeb won both races and Loeb said he was counting on a good performance from team mate Dani Sordo to keep his hopes alive.
"I've really little alternative than to end the season with a perfect scorecard," Loeb told the Rally of Spain website on Thursday (www.rallyracc.com).
"Here in Spain, more than anywhere else, we will be counting on Dani Sordo's rearguard action," he added. "I will do all I can to fulfil my side of the contract. After that, we shall see."
Loeb clocked the fastest time in Thursday's practice ahead of compatriot Sebastien Ogier. Sordi was third quickest and Hirvonen fifth.
"It will be a big challenge but I believe I have the speed to fight for second," the Finn said.
"Everyone knows how strong Loeb is on asphalt so I think there's enough of a fight for me to try to get second," he added. "I'm not feeling under pressure. I have a chance to win the title but I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground."
Loeb has won the drivers' title for the past five years.
