Loeb: It’s now or never to win the Dakar Rally

Peugeot confirmed last year that the 2018 edition of the Dakar would be its last, having won the South American rally-raid classic in 2016 and 2017 with Stephane Peterhansel.

The French marque will enter four of its updated two-wheel-drive 3008DKR Maxi challengers for this year’s event, with Peterhansel again being joined by Carlos Sainz, Cyril Despres and Loeb.

Loeb’s main programme for 2018 is in the World Rallycross championship with Peugeot, while the Frenchman will also contest three WRC rounds for sister brand Citroen.

The 43-year-old believes that his employer’s impending Dakar exit makes 2018 his “last chance” to add himself to the event’s illustrious list of winners.

“For me, it’s almost this year or never for the win,” said Loeb. “It’s my last chance to win it.

“Last year, we saw that we had the capability to win. Daniel [Elena, co-driver] did a good job with the navigation. It’s motivating.

“We know we can do it and we go with the objective to win, that’s for sure.”

Loeb admitted the increase in sand dunes on this year’s Dakar route, which begins on Saturday in the Peruvian capital of Lima, could put him at a disadvantage compared to his more experienced competitors.

“There are many factors that come into play on the Dakar,” added the nine-time WRC champion. “It’s long and you can quickly lose everything, especially with the return of the dunes.

“It’s positive for the rally concerning the image that people have of rally-raid. On the other hand, it’s a type of terrain that I don’t have much experience of. It’s clearly a route that’s not in my favour.

“As for the car, it’s more stable, nicer to driver, with better damping. It gives us more confidence and we can therefore attack a little more.”