Sebastien Loeb intends to keep pushing on this week's Rally GB until Mikko Hirvonen's retirement from the event is confirmed.
After suffering an engine problem on the last stage of the morning loop, Hirvonen is not expected to restart the rally tomorrow, with Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson saying it will take a miracle to get the Fiesta back out. Until then Loeb intends to keep on pushing.
"I can't decide my strategy until we know what is happening with Mikko," said the Citroen driver. "I will continue like I am now, pushing, but not taking risks. But, if Mikko is out of the rally then we will push hard and try to win. It has been a tough morning this morning and it's a shame for Mikko, but the situation is like it is and until we know what he is doing, we go on."
If Hirvonen does retire from the event then Loeb will be World Rally Champion for an eighth consecutive season, after the Frenchman arrived in Wales with an eight-point lead over his title rival.