World RX – Sébastien Loeb Racing enters a Peugeot 208

In 2018, the Sébastien Loeb Racing will have not one, but two world-class programs. To the commitment of two Volkswagen GTIs in the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), the Soultz-sous-Forêts (Bas-Rhin) structure formalized Friday the arrival in the World Championship of Rallycross (World RX) with a Peugeot 208.

The French city car, supercharged for the competition, will be entrusted to Grégoire Demoustier. A multi-card driver, the 27-year-old pilot led a double program in 2017 in FFSAGT and in World RX with DA Racing, and already a Peugeot 208. “I am very happy to find Sébastien Loeb Racing in a new setting and surrounded by people that I have known and appreciated for a long time,” declared the Northerner. The project took shape as the team got closer to World RX. 2018 will remain a year of development, both technically and personally. »

“Even though I rode in some rounds last season (no points scored), it's still new and I don't set myself any numerical objectives. Afterwards, we hope to make some moves and reach the semi-finals here and there. In terms of driving, the sensations are exceptional, and I really like the fast and nervous format. »

Co-founder of the team with the nine-time world champion WRC, Dominique Heintz sees World RX as a “stimulating new challenge”. “The discipline is booming and is generating real enthusiasm among the media and the public, all with a level of competitiveness that continues to increase. Sébastien is well placed to know this and it will be nice to meet him at the meetings this year. We are also delighted to welcome back Grégoire, with whom we had the pleasure of collaborating in the WTCC during the 2016 season. (in the Independent category). His World RX experience will be very useful to us, and it's always nice to work with riders we know and like.", explains the boss of the SLR.

The Peugeot 208, if its appearance strongly resembles the official machines of the Hansen team for Sébastien Loeb himself, was designed in collaboration with Oreca and Onroak Automotive. “The car is new this season with advanced design at all levels. The different players in the project maintain strong relationships and I am convinced that all the ingredients are there to do great things together this year. »