Quote Originally Posted by N.O.T View Post
The difference between Loeb and the afformentioned sick dogs is that Loeb was man enough to make full use of the support he was getting ...
This is correct.

Quote Originally Posted by jparker
Winner doesn't necessary mean best driver.
This is not.


What NOT does not explain or acknowledge is how Loeb transitioned from talented young driver (of which there are very many) to be 'man enough to make full use of the support'. And this is exactly what I was explaining in an earlier post.

Some of you have misconstrued comments regarding Loeb's early career, which were not about his Citroen days (WRC & S1600) but about his privateer pre Citroen career, which was not at all spectacular.

Loeb though stood out among his compatriots at a time when his wealthy and influential ASR, in collaboration with the government owned manufacturer, were looking to atone for there having been no French champion for 10 years and only one in the history of the sport. This despite this manufacturer having invested larger than any other.
From the minute Loeb was adopted by Frequelin, his career was set. From that moment on he was able to drive the car to the best of his ability without concern for the costs or fear of the consequence of failure.

It is not difficult to understand the advantages, in learning and confidence building, that support provides over other competitors who are required to consider budget limitations, amongst other expectations and which will undoubtedly influence the way they drive the rally car.

Fast forward to Ogier's beginnings. In a period in which it is variously rumoured that only a handful of drivers (perhaps 2 or 3) are paid, or have any tenure of contract, and in which everybody pays personally or by limited sponsorship arrangements, it is equally not difficult to understand the advantages a few enjoy today.