Sébastien Loeb Racing has announced that it will not be taking part in the 2013 European Le Mans Series or the 24 Hours of Le Mans as previously announced due to a sponsors withdrawal.
The team looked set to take part in their first season of endurance racing the a ORECA 03 LMP2 in ELMS in the hands of Franck Montagny and Nicolas Marroc and had been invited to partake in this years 24 Hours of Le Mans by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but we’ve always said that we wanted to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the best possible conditions” explains Dominique Heintz, team manager.
“It was planned that a sponsor join our group of partners but they have unfortunately pulled out. The first step was to make the entry request, the second was to be selected. The last step was to finalise the project, which was made impossible by this withdrawal.
“We sincerely regret the situation, the team was very motivated by this challenge and stays motivated for the future. We would like to thank the ACO for their vote of confidence.”
Despite the setbacks Heintz reaffirmed the desire to take part in Le Mans in the future.
“Le Mans remains an important objective for us and we are starting the work today to be there in 2014 in accordance with our ambitions. We wish the team that will replace us the best of luck, and much success to Franck Montagny.”
Heintz also confirmed that Marroc would continue his racing program with the team in the GT Tour.
