[Interview recorded in July 2008]
"My Parrot hands-free kit, my perfect co-driver!"
Sébastien Loeb, quadruple Worldwide Rally Champion
Your main goal for 2008 ?
My main goal for 2008 is trying to keep my World title. I have won four in a row, so my eyes are set on a fifth one. But one should not get carried away, it's a blank page every year, with new cars and crews. But I'll try.
What are the qualities of a four-time World Champion ?
It's never easy to say. Maybe my main quality is keeping my head cool, my experience as a gymnast helps me stay calm under pressure. Maybe. Apart from that, it's a question of how well I feel the car. There's not a defining quality, you have to be an all-rounder in order to win.
Any resemblance between rally and everyday driving ?
You have to keep both hands on the wheel in any case. You need both hands in rally driving as well as everyday, for safety reasons. It's safer that way.
Is cell-phoning at the wheel reserved for important calls ?
If calling my friends is considered important, I only use it when it matters I have to admit that I am often on the phone. Even at the wheel.
How do you answer the phone when driving ?
I am using a hands-free kit it's much more convenient, for safety reasons and for me to keep my driving license. Rally pilots should not jeopardize their driving license.
What advice would you give to people who need to answer phone calls at the wheel ?
They should use a hands-free kit, it's less attention-consuming and helps you stay focused on the driving, while you keep talking as if you were face to face. So I would recommend this device, because I think it is a real asset.
Which is the best brand for a hands-free car kit ?
For me, the best is Parrot, in terms of sound quality and usability. You can also upload music files from your cell phone or iPod directly into the speakers of the car. So it has many handy functionalities.
Why this partnership with the world leader in hands-free car kits ?
I believe many people nowadays use their cell phone behind the wheel. Using a hands-free kit maximizes safety, allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel and focus. As I represent French pilots in a way, I think drivers will see eye to eye with me on this.
Good luck and thank you for this interview.
You're welcome. See you soon.