Loeb wins X Games

Sebastien Loeb won at X Games. © Citroën/RallycrossWorld.com

Sebastien Loeb won the Rallycross element of X Games in Los Angeles. Driving a Citroën DS3 Supercar built and run by Hansen Motorsport, the Frenchman took a relatively easy run to victory in the final of the event in which Ken Block placed second with last year’s gold medal winner Brian Deegan third. The victory is the second in as many visits to the X Games by Hansen Motorsport.

The event lost one of its favourites, Travis Pastrana, in the first qualifying heat when his Dodge Dart crashed after a first corner incident for which Andy Scott was penalised.

A shadow has been cast over the Rallycross after two big practice crashes that left Toomas Heikkinen and Marcus Grönholm in hospital. Before Sunday’s main event a statement was issued on behalf of Grönholm whose condition had given cause for concern: “Attending doctors are pleased that Marcus is conscious, alert and talking and has full limb mobility. Following his initial assessment, doctors confirmed this morning that his condition has improved overnight following a night’s sleep and rest,” the statement said. Grönholm is expected to remain under observation for further tests and checks.

Event owner ESPN reported Loeb as being happy with his his: “”We know it’s a high level event and I’m really pleased to win,” Loeb said after his victory, “but maybe my main rival, Marcus Grönholm, wasn’t able to race. I’m just happy he’s OK.”

Behind the top three, Rhys Millen and  Liam Doran placed fourth and fifth, the pair having both come through from the ‘last chanche qualifier’ and making good progress to finish ahead of Tanner Foust, David Higgins, David Binks, Samuel Hubinette and Sverre Isachsen.

Full results

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjmaZAXN7-s&feature=youtu.be[/tube]