Quesnel: “It’s up to Seb to decide”

Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroën Racing and Peugeot Sport, says that Sébastien Loeb's participation in the next 24 Hours of Le Mans only depends on the driver's decision.

Published on 08/02/2010 à 15:48

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Sébastien Loeb will have to decide. Choosing between a very busy season which would allow him to use the best cars of the moment, or a lighter program but relieved of the most legendary of endurance races. For Olivier Quesnel, the choice is already made: if Sébastien Loeb wishes to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of a Peugeot 908 HDI FAP, it will be part of the adventure. “ The problem of competitiveness does not arise at all, really not », Explained the boss of Peugeot Sport in the Motors show on RMC. “ But I don't want to push him. It's up to him to decide. We have to take stock after Sweden (February 11-14, editor's note). Personally, I dream of it but I don't want to influence it one way or the other. »

Indeed, Sébastien Loeb must face a very demanding program: thirteen rallies in the world rally championship, preparation tests for the Citroën C4 WRC, those of development of the Citroën DS3 WRC? By adding the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the preparatory tests with Peugeot and, possibly, the 12 Hours of Sebring, this 2010 season will be a marathon for the Frenchman. “ The ball is in his court, continues Quesnel. This is the problem for him because it makes for an insane program. I think that in March, he will only spend two days at home. There is a limit to everything, life is made of balance. It is up to him to think, to weigh the pros and cons. »

The equation is therefore simple for Sébastien Loeb, who is dubbed by Peugeot on a sporting level but who must gauge the intensity of an intense 2010 program. “ Seb has already done two endurance tests with us, adds Olivier Quesnel. The spirit that drives this operation is that it is not for marketing or media purposes. If Seb joins the ranks of Peugeot Sport, it is to be as competitive as the other two crews. Concerning myself, I have no doubt about that. Now there is the problem of planning. The program rally remains a priority. We agreed to take stock after the Swedish rally. » The final decision should be known on February 22, when Peugeot Sport announces its 2010 program.