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VIDEO: Rally Champ Sebastien Loeb Gets Speeding Ticket at Swedish Rally

  
February 13, 2008 5:32 PM by Zack Newmark
Filed Under: Motorsport Citroen

Sébastien Loeb seems to have been completely unlucky in his 100th WRC race.  Not only did the Citroen driver receive a DNF on day two of the Swedish Rally because of mechanical problems, but he also was stopped by the police for speeding, according to Autosport.

This was not Loeb's first encounter with the 5-0 during a race.  During the 2006 WRC Corona Rally Mexico, Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena were busted for driving with only one rear tire on a public road.  In that instance, the police officer did not issue a ticket, but instead took a photo, called his mates at HQ, and gave the French driver an escort to the finish line.  Loeb won that race.

This time, police were not as accommodating.  The Swedish wrote Loeb up.  Luckily, Loeb did not take a pinch in Finland, were income plays a huge role in the amount of fines.  Back in 2004, an heir to a huge sausage empire was pulled over for going 80 km/h in a 40 km/h, and received a record fine of €170,000.

Speeding fines are based on income in Sweden, but they are capped at roughly €1,060.  As Autoblog points out, Loeb is likely much more upset about retiring out of the race.

22-year-old driving sensation Jari-Matti Latvala ended up atop the podium for Ford, becoming the youngest driver to ever win a rally.  Latvala and Loeb share second place right now, six points behind Mikko Hirvonen after two races.  There are 13 races left in WRC season, with Mexico next on the calendar.

Source: Autosport via Autoblog.com
dmanero
February 13, 2008 6:23:15 PM

I'm confused, why are the cops stopping a driver during the race. isn't the whole purpose to go as fast as possable to the next check point or even make it in what ever shape your in.

Or did he get caught speeding in his personal car outside the race, cause if that the case, who the hell is writing these articles.

kimbo
February 13, 2008 6:45:46 PM

dmanero: if you had a little knowledge about rallies, you'd know that between 2 Special stages you have to drive sometimes on a public road. So you have to respect all laws on those road, and your car must be in good condition, otherwise police can stop you.

dmanero
February 13, 2008 7:00:29 PM

Kimbo, I know about the special stages but what I didn't know is that the police would actually stop you, I figured you just get a time penalty from WRC community.

I sorry but not all of use have the extenstive knowledge like you......

xLumino
February 13, 2008 9:58:19 PM

come down please. kimbo is right with this term. a rallye driver is a public driver between two stages in every way. But please, respect, if some one don't know everything!

kevoluetion
February 14, 2008 4:37:50 AM

He cant be that good if a cop car can pull him over

catch22
February 14, 2008 9:04:10 AM

If you have a puncture or a problem between special stages you may be late for the next checkpoint. So WRC will put a time penalty...

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