Nine-time World Rally champion Sébastien Loeb has announced that he and co-driver Daniel Elena will be making a competitive return to action in a Citroen DS3 WRC for the Rallye Monte-Carlo in a one-off appearance in that has been won seven times by the Frenchman.
The season opening rally will see Loeb join the recently re-signed Kris Meeke plus another driver which is still to be confirmed. Although Loeb will be challenging for the win he wont be eligible for points.
“With seven wins here, Seb and Daniel are undeniably the event’s greatest specialists” said Yves Matton, Citroen Racing Team principal. “I’m sure that they will be extremely competitive in a DS 3 WRC, which will have some significant technical upgrades.” Like our partners Total and Abu Dhabi, our teams are proud to be racing with them again at Monte-Carlo.”
Loeb will be back behind the wheel of the a rally car this weekend when he takes part in the Rallye du Var after finishing his debut World Touring Car Championship season in second place.
“I didn’t hesitate for a second when I was offered the chance to compete at the opening round of the 2015 World Rally Championship in the DS 3 WRC” said Loeb. “I think Daniel and I would agree that Monte-Carlo is one of our favourite events. The beautiful roads, the fact of having to gamble when it comes to tyre choice and the party atmosphere that you get on the stages: we can’t wait to experience it all again!
“With the DS 3 WRC – “the little racer” as I nicknamed it when it was first released – I have a lot of good memories; I hope that the 2015 Rallye Monte-Carlo will provide yet another. Obviously, it’s going to be a personal challenge for me, as I haven’t competed in a rally for over a year.
“A few days from now, I’m going to take part in the Rallye du Var and that will give me the chance to reacquaint myself with the car. We have also managed to find a few available slots in my schedule so I can take part in testing. I’m absolutely delighted about this opportunity to meet up with the big rallying family during the FIA WTCC off-season!”
