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It’s every driver's dream to win a championship, you take your seventh title and win number 60 on home soil, the final stage running through your home town with thousands of people out to cheer you on, that must be a dream come true!
“Yes for sure it is in incredible feeling, and especially to win. When I arrived here, I knew that there was a possibility to win the rally, to win the championship, and all that in my hometown. So it was a great challenge, and also a big pressure, because I knew that everybody was waiting for this here, in the region. There was a lot of support, from a lot of people. The feeling was really great. It was incredible.
“I was expecting this rally to be popular, but I was very surprised to see so many people for the rally, I could not expect that there would be so many people, everywhere: on stages, on the road sections, waving in front of their house, in the service park, everywhere. And all that in a very nice atmosphere. I was really happy to see this.”
Were there tears in your eyes when you got to the end of the final stage?
“A little bit yes. Especially when I saw my friends waiting for me after the checkpoint. It was incredible, I was not able to drive fast in that stage. I tried, at the start, and then I said OK, just drive through. For sure, it was a great moment. Also in the morning, when I passed in my village, Oberhoffen (sur Moder), on the road section, all the villagers were waiting for me, it was incredible.”
What has been like competing here this weekend with all of the attention you have been receiving from the media and from the fans?
“I am not used to getting as much attention as I had here. Because there are so many people supporting me, here. I was very busy, but I tried to make it right and to stay focused on my rally. It has been great.”
Citroen also seal their sixth manufacturers crown here at home, so it’s a double celebration
“It has been a perfect event, like in Corsica in 2004, when we won both championships at the same time. Here, it is even more special because it is really at home for me. I am really happy for the team, because they did a great job all season, the car is really strong, and the difference we have to make it with the driving. It is very difficult and it is a big challenge, with Petter (Solberg), Dani (Sordo) and (Ogier). It was not an easy season and I am happy to finish it like this.”
Are you ready to fight for title number eight next year, or will you take all this in first?
“I just try to enjoy what happens at the moment, and I really enjoy.”
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