Loubet and Franceschi in the French FFSA Team colors in 2018

For fourteen seasons, France has dominated the planet WRC with the consecutive coronations of Sébastien Loeb (2004-2012) then Sébastien Ogier (since 2013). A success also to be credited to the FFSA, which for a time took the two future world champions under its wing to support them in reaching the highest world level.

To continue to prepare for the future, the FFSA has chosen to line up under its colors in 2018, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Jean-Baptiste Franceschi. If the first city has been operating within the federal fold since 2016, Franceschi, French Junior Rally champion last year, is joining the team.

Loubet will compete in WRC-2 in 2018 with eight races on his program, supplemented by appearances in the FIA ERC, while Franceschi will contest five rounds in WRC-3 in addition to the Junior World Championship.

“I didn't expect at all to join the French FFSA Team Rally, confesses Franceschi. When I found out, I looked at her track record and it really blew me away.

I dare to hope that I can do as well as my predecessors to one day be able to join the category in which they are now. For the moment, we will already focus on WRC-3 and J-WRC, where we are committed to playing for the title. »

“It gives me great pleasure to know that I once again have the support and confidence of the Federation, rejoices Loubet for his part. This is the third time in a row that I am part of the French FFSA Team. So I hope not to be there next year because that would mean we are in the WRC.

This season should also be a pivotal year for access; I therefore hope to make the most of the material we will have available. »

The FFSA will also support Loïc Astier, Jordan Berfa and Laurent Pellier via the Espoir collective. The latter, as well as Loubet and Franceschi, will also benefit from specific preparation at the FFSA Academy in Le Mans.