Free practice and the qualifying stage of Wales Rally GB were held on Wednesday at the Walters Arena. After setting the fastest time this morning, Sébastien Loeb will be the first driver to select his road position for day one on Friday.

Wales Rally GB – usually host to the climax of WRC season in November – has been moved in this year’s schedule to a mid-September slot. The British round may still prove decisive, however, in determining the winner of the ‘Manufacturers’ title, which Citroën Total World Rally Team can secure if the team enjoys a good result in Wales.

After a brief interlude on tarmac, the WRC returns to gravel in Wales. Unlike Nasser Al-Attiyah and Giovanni Bernacchini, who have taken part in the Wales Rally GB on several occasions, the tenth round of the season will be a totally new experience for Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul.

You have already won this event. So, is this somewhere you feel particularly at ease? “Yes, I like this rally even though it is difficult. The top speeds are extremely high, which is exhilarating for the drivers. All the stages are great, I don’t think I could even single one out. In the conditions that you usually get here towards [...]

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena bettered their own impressive record for the most wins at a single event in securing a ninth victory in Germany. Ten years after winning their first WRC rally, the eight-time World Champions can now be known as nine-time winners of Rallye Deutschland!