WRC Safari: Loeb's anticipated return ends in retirement as Kedong is red flagged

Nine-time World Rally Championship, Sébastien Loeb who was making a return to the WRC Safari Rally after 20 years has been forced to retire from the grueling rally following engine gremlins. 

Loeb, who had gone into the Kedong stage running third, just 1.9 seconds off the lead, experienced engine issue aboard his Ford Puma Rally1 on the final stage of Friday morning.

Reports indicate that he completed the Kedong stage with smoke coming from beneath the hood. He and co-driver Isabelle Galmiche extinguished a small fire at the rear of the engine bay, but couldn’t restart the car.

They departed the stop line under the car’s hybrid electric power, but were forced to stop at the side of the road when the battery was empty.

"For sure it is frustrating to retire now after three stages. The feeling was good and so was the car. We had done a good job in preparations, had good notes and were very ready.

The rally is really tough and rough. We have alot of fesh-fesh and big stones but since we are out for the day there is nothing more we can do," said Loeb. 

Team principal Richard Millener confirmed that Loeb would proceed no further.

"Unfortunately for Seb, it looks like a small engine fire at the end of the stage may have caused some damage. He’s hard to retire for the day. So that’s very disappointing," offered Millener adding that Gus Greensmith's puncture would be repaired in time for afternoon action. 

Meanwhile, a few of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) drivers were unable to race the Kedong stage in the morning after it was red-flagged. 

The stage is supposed to be live at 3.20pm for the repeat ss7.