Loeb set to retire after 2011 Options

[Lightning Quick]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86881

Sebastien Loeb has admitted next season will be his last in the World Rally Championship.

In an interview with French magazine Paris-Match, the 36-year-old confirmed that he would not be continuing in the WRC beyond next season.

Loeb, who took his first top-level victory in Germany in 2002 and, to date, has won 59 events and six world titles, looks set to clinch his seventh drivers' world championship on his home WRC round in France next month.

Asked whether he thought the 2011 season would be his last, Loeb replied: "Undoubtedly yes."

There had been speculation that Loeb would retire at the end of this season, but he signed a one-year extension with Citroen - the manufacturer with which he has spent almost his entire career - in the summer.

"I feel I have taken enough risks and I am not ready to take any more," he said. "My motivation now is the pleasure [of the sport]."

So statistically the greatest Rally driver ever is going to retire while still at the top pf his game. His rivals will secretly be happy that everyone will finally get a chance at the big prize, having been on top since 2004.

Having said that, Ogier has been exceptional this season and will probably take over Loebs work by then and became the new Seb to beat (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)