Loeb in F1: Quesnel clarifies

Sébastien Loeb en Formula 1, it is the specter which agitates the end of the season of WRC, in which the five-time world champion is in the middle of a battle to retain his crown. The Alsatian had already found himself, in July, at the center of a media imbroglio when a French daily made him say that?he was ready to take over from his compatriot, Sébastien Bourdais, in the seat of his Toro Rosso. The Citroën driver then had to temper the comments published in the daily newspaper while his boss, Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroën Racing, had claimed that his driver was first and foremost a Citroën driver before being a pilot Red Bull, the brand being the owner of the stable Toro Rosso.

Since then, the position of the two men has not changed. Their common objective is still to glean both titles, driver and constructors, in WRC, while competition from Ford, and in particular from Mikko Hirvonen, demands the greatest involvement. Also, Olivier Quesnel has never been opposed to the five-time world champion having other projects than the WRC, as long as the season Rally is completed, if possible successfully. On July 12, Olivier Quesnel already declared that “ During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the rally season will be over and I wish us to be champions, drivers and manufacturers. If Red Bull offers Seb (Loeb, editor's note) the wheel for a one shot, why not. »

Also, the publication in the columns of a sports daily, this Saturday, of comments authorizing Sébastien Loeb to take part in this event confirms Olivier Quesnel's positioning. Asked in Australia about the participation of his driver in the last Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season, the boss of Citroën Racing confirmed that he saw no objection to the diversification of the Alsatian. “ If someone makes an offer to Sébastien, Citroën Racing will give him permission to compete in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the rally season having ended on that date. »

Concerning a possible participation of Sébastien Loeb in the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, Olivier Quesnel prefers to reserve his answer. “ If this happens, it will be a common desire of Peugeot Sport and Loeb, and completely distinct from its commitment with Citroën Racing. For the moment, there is nothing precise or defined “, declared to AFP the boss of Citroën Racing, who benefits from a double role, as director of Peugeot Sport. Before thinking about Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Sébastien Loeb first has a short-term objective in Australia: to win the tenth round of the WRC.