Loeb unlikely to return for GB rally

World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb has all but ruled out driving in the season-ending Rally of Great Britain.

The Frenchman has sat out the last three events as he recovers from a broken arm sustained in a mountain bike accident in September.

In his absence, sole title rival Marcus Gronholm was unable to capitalise and, by finishing only fifth in the Rally of Australia, the Finn handed Loeb his third straight WRC crown.

The Citroen man had been expected to return to action in and around Cardiff on December 1 to 3 if the championship was still alive, but has now opted to continue his recuperation with next season in mind.

"There is little chance of me taking part in the rally in Great Britain," the 32-year-old said on www.bbc.co.uk.

"There's nothing at stake so I won't be taking any risks which could compromise my start to next season.

"The various doctors I've seen have advised me that I really need three months to fully recover.

"I don't want to suffer another injury from a crash or an incident and have to start from zero again."

The 2007 WRC season gets under way in Monte Carlo on January 18.