Sébastien Loeb joins Hyundai in 2019

Sébastien Loeb will have made the heyday of Citroën Racing and Peugeot Sport, both WRC (nine world titles for the brand with chevrons), as well as in various disciplines with the Lion (Dakar, World RX, Pikes Peak). But this Thursday, December 13 marks the end of an exclusive relationship that began in the 2000s.

The nine-time world rally champion has secured a two-year lease and been confirmed for a partial WRC program in 2019 with Hyundai Motorsport, which thus achieves the other “big blow” on the transfer market after the announcement of the passage of Sébastien Ogier at Citroën.

The French firm had indicated that it was focusing on the entry of two C3s for the Ogier – Lappi tandem (another Citroën recruit for 2019), before Mads Ostberg confirmed for his part that only two cars would contest the next season. An announcement which had thus closed the door to a program for Loeb, who had not hidden other parallel discussions.

Ultimately, it was the Hyundai clan that proved the most attractive for the Alsatian, who will compete in six rallies at the wheel of the i20 Coupe WRC next year. THE Rally Monte-Carlo will be on the program despite the very short time between the Dakar and the opening round of the WRC.

Sébastien Loeb will be assisted by his eternal co-driver, Daniel Elena, while the rest of the program remains unknown, with Loeb racing in the Korean manufacturer's third car, usually shared between Dani Sordo and Hayden Paddon in recent seasons.

“Winning at Rally Spain this season has reignited my desire to continue racing at the forefront in the WRC, says Loeb. Joining Hyundai will give us a new challenge that I can't wait to begin.

I was impressed by the team's approach and their determination to succeed. They were clearly in the fight for the title this season and I feel that I can bring a lot to them, with Thierry, Andreas and Dani.

The Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC is already won and proven. As a crew, we know we can always be among the best. 2019 therefore promises to be an exciting season. »

Dani Sordo has also been confirmed for 2019, with his program featuring eight world events. The Spaniard will start his season in Mexico. The big loser in the affair seems to be Hayden Paddon, whose involvement within the team is under discussion.