One of the most-prolific competitors ever to take the wheel of a car was born on this day, 43 years ago.
Sebastien Loeb would go on to smash multiple records in the World Rally Championship.
Prior to finally hanging up his helmet in 2015, he claimed the world championship a historic nine times – with extra lustre added by the fact these were consecutive.
He also has the most wins with 78, most podiums with 116 and most points with 1,625. Not bad for someone who had originally been a gymnast.
The key to Loeb’s success was his alliance with Citroen, as well as his omnipotence on tarmac. Indeed, all but three of his WRC triumphs were registered on that surface since 2005.
Loeb was also named French Sportsman of theYear in 2007 and 2009, plus he finished second in the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Other sports stars born on this day:
1925: Sir Everton Weekes, ex-cricketer who was part of the West Indies’ exalted “The Three Ws”, 92.
1977: Shane Williams, retired rugby union winger who is Wales’ record try scorer with 58 (40).
1982: Li Na, former tennis player who is China’s only Grand Slam winner following two successes (35).
1986: Hannah Kearney, an American mogul skier who won gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics (31).