 Three-time world champion Loeb will not race again in 2006 |
Newly-crowned world champion Sebastien Loeb has reversed his decision to race in the season-ending Wales Rally GB. Loeb broke his arm in September and had planned to make his comeback next month but fears the risk of fresh injury could harm his 2007 title chances.
"There is little chance of me taking part in the rally in Great Britain," said the French Kronos Citroen driver.
"There's nothing at stake so I won't be taking any risks which could compromise my start to next season."
606 DEBATE: Can Loeb win the title for a fourth time in 2007?
Loeb broke his arm while out training on his mountain bike.
"The various doctors I've seen have advised me that I really need three months to fully recover," he said.
"I don't want to suffer another injury from a crash or an incident and have to start from zero again."
Loeb had amassed a 35-point lead over closest rival Ford's Marcus Gronholm when he broke his arm.
Despite sitting out the Turkey and Australia rallies, he clinched a third straight title when Marcus Gronholm finished fifth in Australia.
Loeb is targeting a return to action for the first race of next season in Monte Carlo on 18 January.
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