We got a chance to drive Sebastian Loeb's Citroen C4 WRC car on a gravel rally stage next to the Paul Ricard Circuit in France. Though we suspect Loeb and his team of mechanics were none too hot to surrender the cockpit, we found the car surprisingly cushy to drive quickly — direct in its responses yet almost compliant over the potholes.

Then, Mr. Loeb took the wheel, and the man who was so stoic and reserved during our interview became positively chatty. At day's end, we realized we'd met the real Sebastien Loeb in his natural environment, doing what he was born to do.

IL Feature: Driving the World's Best Rally Car