SEBASTIEN LOEB RETURNS TO WRC

Sebastien Loeb to return to WRC in 2018 – Photo: LAT

Citroen have announced that Sebastien Loeb will return to the WRC in 2018, running a limited program for the French manufacturer.

Loeb will compete in three rallies, Corsica, Mexico and Spain, for Citroen while Craig Breen will tackle the remaining 10 rounds in the second C3 WRC.

Kris Meeke will again lead Citroen’s WRC team, competing in all 13 events in the lead car.

Loeb’s WRC programme will be run alongside his Dakar Rally and World Rallycross Championship commitments with Citroen’s sister brand Peugeot.

“The feeling you get in rally is one of the most thrilling feelings I’ve ever experienced, and I was excited about driving one of these new WRCs in a race. It’s nice to be able to do it in the team with which I’ve enjoyed so much success,” said Loeb.

“Everyone was pleased after the test sessions done this year, myself first and foremost, and these three appearances were the logical next step.

“I don’t have any expectations, I just want to enjoy myself. I thought it made sense to take part in the French round, especially since I’ve always loved racing on Tarmac, although I’m not familiar with the current route of the Tour de Corse.

“Spain seemed like a good option too. And although I’m expecting it to be pretty tough given the time that has passed since I last competed there, I also wanted to contest a gravel rally.

“We opted for Mexico, since I have good memories of racing there and the route hasn’t changed too much since I was last involved in the championship,”

Citroen Racing director Yves Matton is convinced that  Loeb hasn’t lost his touch after the testing.

“I’m delighted to see there will be another chapter in the great history between between Sébastien Loeb and Citroën. He couldn’t return to the WRC with anyone other than us!” said Matton

“Seb confirmed he has lost none of his speed and skill during the test sessions, although he is bound to be short of knowledge of the stages and time in the car compared with the increasingly tough competition,”.

The nine-time world champion made his last competitive WRC start as a one-off during the 2015 Monte Carlo Rally.

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