Loeb Awarded French Knighthood

The most successful driver in the history of rallying, Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, will contest Repco Rally Australia on 3-6 September as a Knight of the French Republic, following a ceremony in Paris today.

Loeb, who has won five straight World Rally Championships and more than 50 individual rounds as a driver for Citroen, received the knighthood, known formally as the Legion d’honneur, from President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace.

The knighthood is the highest award that can be given to a private individual in France and was instituted after the French Revolution. It recognises outstanding achievement from French citizens in any branch of the country’s activity, leaving aside social or hereditary factors.

Surrounded by his family, close friends and Citroen and Peugeot group senior management, Loeb was warmly congratulated by the President.

“I am extremely honoured to have been recognised in this way by the President of the Republic,” he said.

“This award is given to an individual, but I would like to share it with each and every member of the Citroën team.

“Every time that we hear the French National Anthem played at the end of a rally, we all feel exactly the same pride at having showcased
France to the best of all our abilities.

“I hope now that I can continue to worthily represent my country by claiming a sixth consecutive World Rally Championship title at the end of this year.”

Garry Connelly, Chairman of the Repco Rally Australia Organising Committee, congratulated Sebastien Loeb.

“Repco Rally Australia extends its warmest congratulations to Sebastien, who has achieved this award for his outstanding sporting achievements. We look forward to welcoming him to the New South Wales Northern Rivers in September and to seeing his extraordinary skills in action.”