Vatanen cree que Loeb hará un tiempo récord que será difícil de batir.
Ari Vatanen tips Sebastien Loeb to dominate Pikes Peak HillclimbBy David Evans Wednesday, April 17th 2013, 11:35 GMT
Sebastien LoebFormer World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen has tipped Sebastien Loeb to set a new benchmark time for the Pikes Peak Hillclimb this year.
The nine-time champion will compete in the unlimited class of this year's June 30 event, driving a Peugeot 208 T16.
It will be the Frenchman's first attempt at the now all-asphalt 12.42-mile climb.
"Seb will make a record which will not be broken for a long time," said Vatanen, who won the event while also driving a Peugeot in 1988.
Peugeot 208 T16 photo gallery"As the America's might say: 'It will be awesome.' Light-heartedly, I say that he had to wait until the course was all Tarmac before he could beat my own record!"
Loeb will drive the 850bhp, 850kg Peugeot specifically designed for the event.
The nine-time world champion's lack of experience of the Colorado Springs mountain will not hinder him, according to Vatanen.
"It won't be a problem for him to remember the road," said the 1981 world champion, "but he will have to find the very special commitment needed for this hill climb.
"You cannot drive this road on the limit, you always need to have a little bit in reserve, a margin for error.
"If you do go off, then let's say the run off is going to be very soft for a while but there will be a very heavy landing waiting for you!"
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