Loeb starts quest for historic fifth title

Sebastien Loeb starts his campaign for an unprecedented fifth successive world rally championship when the season-opening Monte Carlo rally begins today.

Last year, the Frenchman became the third driver to win four titles after Finns Tommi Makinen and Juha Kankkunen.

Loeb, who won in Monte Carlo last year on the competition debut of his Citroen C4 WRC, loves the winter classic which winds from Valence, in southeastern France, to the glitzy principality on a mixture of dry or wet asphalt, ice and snow.

"I'm obviously dreaming of a white Monte Carlo with real wintry conditions," Loeb said. "Last year the conditions were particularly dry but it should be fun if we get snow and ice this time around."

It has snowed lately on the areas of the French Alps covered by the rally, which will end on Sunday with a sprint around the harbour section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Loeb will be the overwhelming favourite this year after his main rival, Finn Marcus Gronholm, retired after finishing runner-up last season.

Finn Mikko Hirvonen, third in the drivers' standings last year, was promoted as their top driver by Ford, winners of the 2007 manufacturers' title.

"I can't wait to get started again," Hirvonen said through a Ford statement.

"I will begin every rally thinking about winning but if I can't do that then second place is where I need to be. It will be difficult for me to take on Gronholm's role in the team but I feel ready for it."

Citroen and Ford are expected to dominate but Subaru, relying on Norway's Petter Solberg and Australian Chris Atkinson, will do their best to upset them.

Suzuki, who competed in selected rallies last year, are looking forward to their first full season, for which they will rely on Finland's Toni Gardemeister and Sweden's Per-Gunnar Andersson.

The Monte Carlo event is the first of 15 rounds compared to 16 last year.