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LOEB MAKES WRC RETURN

Sebastien Loeb makes WRC return - Image: Red Bull

By Bruce Williams

Nine-time Champion, Sebastien Loeb, will make his return to World Rally Championship competition.

The Frenchman will join the British M-Sport Ford squad for the opening round of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship, Rallye Monte-Carlo.

Loeb will drive one of the new Hybrid Rally1 spec Ford Puma’s in a four car effort for M-Sport that also includes Craig Breen, Gus Greensmith and Adrien Fourmaux for the first event under the new ruleset.

“It’s nice to work with M-Sport, it is a very professional team and one that knows how to build good cars.” said Loeb.

“I am happy to work with M-Sport now, since the beginning of my career I was fighting against Ford but I have always known Malcolm to be somebody very involved in the team and passionate about rally, we have always had a good relationship.”

“I am really excited for Monte Carlo, it is really an exciting challenge.”

“It was a pleasure to discover the new technology found in the Puma Rally1 cars, I think it is quite similar to the 2017 cars but with a hybrid system added on it.”

“It makes it a bit more challenging to use and it is exciting to have something new to manage in the car. When I tested the car I was really impressed by how well balanced it is and how powerful it is with the hybrid, I really enjoyed it.”

“I like what I do, I always enjoying driving, but when I do a WRC event it is just an amazing feeling.”

“It is something I enjoy a lot, I think I can still be competitive, ok Monte-Carlo is maybe not the easiest event to start with a team as there can be some tricky conditions.”

“I have some good memories from this rally and it is always an incredible atmosphere around the rally.”

M-Sport's Ford Puma WRC car in action - Image: Red Bull

M-Sport’s Ford Puma WRC car in action – Image: Red Bull

The signing of Loeb for at least the first event of the year in a major coup for M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson who initially tried to sign the fast Frenchman back in 2005.

“I came close to securing a deal with him back in 2005 but unfortunately at that time we were not able to make it happen.” said Wilson.

“However, with the introduction of the new 2022 Rally1 regulations and following discussions with Red Bull, we both reached out to Seb to see if he might be interested to come and try the new cars – he was, he did and now we find ourselves in a position to say that he will join the team next year!”

“It is fantastic to be able to bring such an accomplished driver to M-Sport and I have no doubt he is still capable of a fantastic result as well as being a mentor to our other drivers.”

“It might have taken over 16 years to get this deal to come to reality, but it is great to see it finally happen!”

Wilson is excited for the debut of the all new Hybrid Rally1 cars with a strong four driver line-up for the season opener.

“Starting the new WRC regulations with such a strong lineup is something I am very proud of and goes to show the faith that these guys have in the new Puma Rally1.” Wilson continued.

“Seeing Adrien given the opportunity to compete in a full season with us is something I am very proud of.”

“M-Sport has a long history of developing young drivers and Adrien is no exception, 2022 gives him the chance to show what he can really do. I am sure he will deliver some impressive performances over the course of the season.”

M-Sport will look to add to it’s WRC success when the 2022 season gets underway in the hills around the Monte-Carlo in January.

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