Even Sebastien Loeb can't believe how good he is!

Photo: Best of Rally Live

Sebastien Loeb is a nine time WRC champion, with 900 stage wins under his belt, it's fair to say he knows what he's doing but even he was shocked at how well he drive on the opening stage of the 2015 Montecarlo Rally.

Thing is,  Loeb  retired from full time rallying in 2012.  Sure, he did a couple of rallies in 2013 but basically he's been relaxing, a bit of le Mans here, a bit of WTCC there, schooled everyone at Global Rallycross, broke the Pikes Peak record,  you know, normal retiree stuff.  

This year, Citroen was able to talk him into one more Monte Carlo Rally, Loeb has won seven, it's his favorite event.   Loeb's target is rival Frenchman Sebastien Ogier, the current champion driving for VW.

The first stage of the Montecarlo rally was brutal: ice, snow and fog along the  21 km night stage.  Ogier set the early pace and led comfortably over the field until he's bested by Ott Tanak, driving for Ford. The Estonian beat Ogier by 9 seconds,  quite a feat in the conditions.

Then it was Loeb's turn.  He beat Tanak by 22 seconds, Ogier by over 30 seconds.   That is just ridiculous.   As he's mobbed by reporters waiting after the finish, Loeb, head soaked in sweat, asks how far back he is, he has no clue because new for this year drivers are not allowed to receive split time information.

"I just said to Daniel (Elena his co driver) three kilometers from the end, we are completely stopped" said Loeb "It was very difficult"

Masterclass.

This clip is taken from the live broadcast. If you love following live (or watch replays) we recommend you look into the WRC+ service which offers all that and more for $49 per season.