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LOEB DROPS WRC TO RETURN TO DAKAR IN 2021

Sebastien Loeb drops WRC to return to Dakar in 2021 - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Sebastien Loeb drops WRC to return to Dakar in 2021 - Photo: LAT

Sebastien Loeb drops WRC to return to Dakar in 2021 – Photo: LAT

Nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb has announced that he will focus his attention of competing in the Dakar Rally in 2021 and not continue with his partial Hyundai WRC campaign next year.

By DAN McCARTHY

Both announcements came in quick succession, the first was that the French legend would drive for the new Bahrain Raid Xtreme squad in the Dakar Rally.

The team may be new, but it will be run by multiple WRC title-winning team Prodrive.

The 46-year-old will be a part of BRX’s two car line-up in the top-tier T1 category alongside 2014 Dakar winner Nani Roma.

Loeb has previously taken part in four Dakar Rallies from 2016-2019, taking stage victories each year and securing a best overall result of second.

The first three years Loeb competed for the Peugeot manufacturer before the French brand pulled the pin and meant that Loeb entered a privately run Peugeot in 2019.

In 2020 Loeb did not take part in the first Dakar Rally to be held in Saudi Arabia, where the event will again be held next year.

Soon after the Dakar announcement, the factory Hyundai WRC squad confirmed that it would not be extending Loeb’s part-time WRC programme into 2021.

However, both Loeb and Hyundai WRT team principal Andrea Adamo said that the partnership may resume in the future.

“Hyundai Motorsport gave me the best WRC car I have ever driven, and I was glad I could compete at the highest level with the latest generation of WRC cars,” Loeb said.

“Now, a new chapter will open in 2021 with Prodrive in Rally Raid but who knows for WRC. Neither Hyundai Motorsport nor I want to completely close the book for good.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity they gave me during these two years by offering me a partial programme, totally in line with my expectations, within a very professional team and in a pleasant atmosphere.”

The two-year partnership was capped off with a third-place finish for Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena at Rally Turkey a fortnight ago.

Two additional appearances were scheduled at Safari Rally Kenya and Rally New Zealand, but both were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We wish them all the best in their next chapter and keep our doors wide open to them should they ever wish to return,” Adamo said.

“All areas of our operation have benefited from their knowhow, directly or indirectly. Their contribution helped us to fight for – and win – the championship last season.

“The pandemic has meant we haven’t been able to use them as we had intended this season, but their performance in Turkey was a reminder to everyone of their ever-present ability and speed.”

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