Rally of Jordan: Loeb’s Hopes Ended by Crash

The Rally of Jordan is effectively over for Sebastien Loeb following a head-on collision with a Citroen on stage 11. The accident happened as Loeb was leaving the stage, as the privately owned Citroen of Conrad Rautenbach was just starting it. As they met on a narrow section of the road they clashed head-on.

Thankfully neither driver was hurt, and Loeb IS expected to race on Sunday - however, he is now out of the running following the accident.

Loeb said:

“We had just come out of the 11th stage and were heading for the following test when we collided with another car.

“It was a narrow road and there wasn’t room for two cars. It’s an unfortunate blow which has put an end to our run for today.

“The team will now do all it can to make the necessary repairs and, if it’s worth it, we will re-start under the SuperRally ruling on Sunday.”

For an interview with Loeb and a ‘Virtual Spectator’ view of how the crash happened Click Here (opens in a new window).

Team mate Dani Sordo has taken the lead as a result of the incident after 12 stages. Ford’s Latvala lies in second place just 8.5 seconds behind going into the final day. Hirvonen is currently in 3rd place and will retake the championship lead if the positions remain the same on Sunday.

Sebastien Loeb had earlier taken the lead before the collision ended his chances of winning his 3rd rally this season. Loeb currently leads Hirvonen by 5 points after four rallies and has won in Mexico and Argentina.

What are your thoughts on the Loeb’s collision? Could it have been avoided?