FIA GT Series – Loeb: “Preparing myself for the plan to race in the WTCC with Citroën”

Little information is available at the moment on the possible arrival of Citroën in the WTCC from 2014. If the sporting branch of the chevron firm is in the starting blocks, will the leaders of the French brand release the necessary funds? Sebastian Loeb, he, as usual, leaves nothing to chance. Thus, the nine-time world rally champion, who is participating in Monte-Carlo next week, is preparing as if this project was sure to succeed. It is with this in mind that he will compete this season in the FIA ​​GT Series (see here) behind the wheel of a McLaren MP4-12C fielded by its own team, Sébastien Loeb Racing. “I want to prepare myself for the project of racing in the WTCC with Citroën and that involves a commitment to the circuit in 2013, says he. I like sprint races and I like GTs, which are very fun cars to drive. I don't yet know all the tricks on the circuit and I really wanted to ride with another pro in order to learn and progress. Sharing the wheel with one of the best GT drivers is the ideal solution. »

The pilot he is talking about is Alvaro Parente, Formula champion Renault 3.5 Series 2007, who joined the official McLaren GT team in 2011. The Franco-Portuguese duo has great ambitions for this 2013 season. Not used to making up the numbers, Loeb wants to play with the best. And the Citroën brand ambassador has the means, as he has proven in recent seasons in each of his outings on the circuit. “I hope to fight at the forefront,” he continues. However, I know that we will have to face experienced teams and that we have many points to refine. We all have great motivation and the desire to do well. We have brought together many parameters to play the leading roles, both with the choice of McLaren, who is a high-performance car, and with the reinforcement of Alvaro, a competitive driver who is used to the MP4-12C. »

If he has the WTCC in his sights, Sébastien Loeb will therefore focus above all on shining during the 6 meetings making up the 2013 FIA GT Series season. First meeting, April 1st in Nogaro, for the Easter Cups.