CITROEN WANTS SEBASTIEN LOEB FOR MORE WRC TESTING

Sebastien Loeb was last behind the wheel of a WRC car in 2015 – Photo: LAT

Yves Matton, Citroen’s WRC team boss, wants Sebastien Loeb to complete further testing of their C3 WRC on gravel after a successful tarmac test earlier this week.

The nine-time champion Loeb and long-time co-driver Daniel Elena rejoined Citroen on Tuesday for their first run in the 2017-spec World Rally Car. Helping the team with their tarmac testing in France’s Moselle region ahead of the next round of the World Rally Championship in Germany.

Citroen have struggled so far this season since the introduction of the new car, particularly in the gravel rallies so far this year, and Matton says he wants the 43-year-old to try the C3 WRC on loose-surface roads in the future.

“For the moment, nothing is decided but I think it will be interesting to have him on a gravel test session,” Matton told the official WRC website.

“We will see if it is possible. He is quite busy with his rallycross programme and his cross-country events [for Citroen’s sister brand Peugeot].”

Citroen’s 2017 WRC car at Finland – Photo: LAT

Matton, continued saying that the feedback Loeb gave on Tuesday, which included running in the wet, could prove useful for the next event.

“What he did [on Tuesday] was quite interesting and it was quite helping us also if we have some raining conditions in Germany due to the lack of feedback we had during the Germany test in rainy conditions,” Matton said.

“Now we have to see the weather forecast for next week to see if we can use what he did this morning. But his feedback is really interesting and his technical knowledge helps us a lot.”

Citroen will again bring Andreas Mikkelsen into the team to run the third car at the German Rally alongside regular drivers Kris Meeke and Craig Breen.

However rumours continue of a possible WRC return for Loeb’s, however Matton has suggested that it wouldn’t be possible until the 2018 season.

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