Jalopnik: Sebastien Loeb

FIA Wants Sebastien Loeb To Shave Those Sideburns, Hippy

Wes Siler — Thu, 08 May 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Two senior FIA officials have suggested that television cameras refrain from showing close-ups of four-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb until he cleans-up his "scruffy" look. "Of course these persons are an insult to real males," wrote WRC Commission President Morrie Chandler, kicking off a hilarious email exchange.

"I watched the WRC Mexico highlights last night and I have to voice my opinion on the poor appearance of Sebastien Loeb on WRC-TV," wrote Surinder Thatti, Chairman of the Confederation Of African Countries in Motorsport. ""He was unshaven, scruffy looking and with unkempt hair!! It is wrong...when the FIA gives him global TV coverage to millions of viewers and to many children worldwide he is a hero and role model...I know there is a level of personal freedom one is allowed but I feel he is taking this too far and someone should talk to him or his team about this."

"Yes I watched the same as you did...Unfortunately it is not a problem that is unique to our sport as the same happens in football and other "male" sports," Chandler wrote in response. "My only solution is that we suggest to ISC that the camera does not cover them close up."

We're just glad FIA can't see us in our ~~bedrooms~~ office. (h/t Placebo, who is scruffy in a good way) [via AutoSport]

French Cop Nearly Killed By Monte Carlo Winner

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST

Sebastian Loeb piloted his Citroen C4 to his record fifth victory at the Monte Carlo Rallye on Sunday, and we think we know how he managed to shave some seconds off his total time. It takes a little team work, a little luck and a little willingness to take a few risks. In this case, Loeb had to bet that this French policeman was going to be quick enough to not get a colostomy from his Citroen. Maybe the Ninja rally fan became a French cop. (Thanks to Franzouse for the tip)

Monte Carlo Rally: It's Over

Mike Spinelli — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 13:45:47 EST

Photo: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

And just like that, it's over — not that victory for S bastien Loeb (r) and navigator Daniel Elena (l) at this year's Monte Carlo Rally was ever seriously in jeopardy. The two prevailed, even despite some hardcore heel-nipping by Citroen teammate Dani Sordo and co-driver Marc Marti — who displayed a tenacity that could outshine the champeen Loebster this season. As for third-place Marcus Gr nholm, better luck in Sweden. MVP to the Chris Atkinson, who took Ford-BP's Mikko Hirvonen in the final shootout on the Monaco streets to leapfrog into fourth place.– Mike Spinelli

Loeb eases to Monte Carlo victory [BBC Sport]

Related:
Monte Carlo Rally: Leg 3 Recap [internal]

Monte Carlo Rally: Leg 2 Recap

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 22:00:32 EST

Marcus Gr nholm never really had a chance. As the Citroen C4s piloted by Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Sordo swapped places several times through the first legs of the Monte Carlo Rally, the BP-Ford World Rally Team driver (and last year's Monte Carlo winner) languished between 36 seconds and just over 1:15 behind the French/Spanish teammates. In the end — over 93.8 miles worth of paved switchback — Loeb and navigator Daniel Elena won out, despite clipping a wall on the St-Pierreville to Antraigues stage. Leg three, tomorrow. – Mike Spinelli

Monte Carlo Rally, Official Site; Loeb battles teammate Sordo at season-opening Monte Carlo Rally [International Herald Tambourine]

Jalopnik Question of the Day: How Do You Plan to Watch WRC?

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST

Photo: PHILIPPE MERLE/AFP/Getty Images

Oh this one's bound to be a squeaker. Daniel Sordo and teammate Sebastien Loeb are trading leads in their new Citroen C4s, while two-time champeen Marcus Gronholm, in his Ford Focus, is trailing Loeb by just over a half-minute. Must be exciting to watch — only we have to read about it in the freaking International Herald Tribune, because TV is Nascar country. That brings us to the question of the day. Where are you watching, or more likely, how are you keeping track of the the WRC season kickoff Monte Carlo Rally? (Anyone watching Rally Live?) Sound off below.

Loeb defends lead at season-opening Monte Carlo Rally [International Herald Trombone]

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