London: For the first time in seven years, Citroen's Sebastien Loeb finds himself chasing the leader going into the final round of the world rally championship in Britain this weekend.
Finland's Mikko Hirvonen, in a Ford, can end the Frenchman's bid for a sixth successive title on Sunday in what promises to be a high-stakes winner-takes-all duel through the forests of South Wales.
Hirvonen leads Loeb by a single point, with Citroen having already wrapped up the manufacturers' title in Spain this month.
"The cocktail of rain, mud and fog -- especially in the dark -- has a habit of making this a very tough event," said the 35-year-old Frenchman in a team preview.
"Unlike the conditions, our mission in Wales is pretty much straightforward. We will need to finish ahead of Mikko Hirvonen and in the points."
"The two of us will obviously be under a great deal of pressure and even a small mistake could put either one of us out of the running for the title," added last year's winner, who should be fully focused now that he has ruled out the possibility of a Formula One drive in Abu Dhabi next week.
Loeb, who has spent four days testing in Wales, has won six rallies this year compared to Hirvonen's four which means the champion will retain his title if they finish level on points.
Hirvonen, who has never before been so close to the championship, said he felt no pressure.
"It will be a hard fight and I don't underestimate the job I need to do," said the 29-year-old, who won in Britain two years ago. "But I have no expectations and because of that I've taken the pressure off myself and put it to one side.
"If I had to choose a rally on which to fight for the title then Finland would be my first choice. But Britain would be second on the list."
The title battle could Loeb's team mate Dani Sordo a favourite to win the race.
"I won't be under any pressure so I will be able to drive with a freer mind," he said. "You want me to predict the result? Okay, Sordo ahead of Loeb. Then we will be able to have a huge party on Sunday evening."
The rally proper starts on Friday with stages in mid-Wales.
Bureau Report