Sebastien Loeb Racing is set to branch out in to a category that is very familiar to its founder with plans announced for a team in the FIA Junior WRC category in the FIA World Rally Championship.
The team was founded four years ago and has taken part in the Porsche Carrera Cup France and France FFSA GT Championship, the FIA GT Series, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Touring Car Championship.
“See the team rally, it was written!” says Sébastien Loeb. “We have chosen the circuit originally, especially because this is where my career would take me, but we knew that one day would be at the rally program. You just had to allow time to time and get all the necessary settings.
“This is the case today, the team has enough experience on the track to lead the two projects simultaneously and we will support logistics and coordination All Sports Management, the company of Daniel.
It has to be particularly Dominique, Daniel and me, this is where it all started, we lived incredible moments and there, obviously, we hope to live full of beautiful things with the team. The J-WRC is a logical choice: it is a championship that can support young people and help them to be. I have known this stage, there are almost 15 years. We are all very excited! “
The team will field a Citroën DS3 R3 Max in the 2016 championship with advanced discussions underway with a yet to be announced driver.
“It’s just a great moment for the team,” added co-founder Dominique Heintz. “We thought for quite some time and we feel that this is really the right time. The team continues to grow on the circuit and it will ramp up again in 2016 with several programs, including the WTCC. But the rally is in our genes. It was obvious to go and I am very pleased that this happen for 2016. We managed to assemble all the pieces of the puzzle. This was done naturally.
“Representing the name Sebastien Loeb rally, it will be a great honor for everyone, but even more responsibility. It must be up. We know we’re going to be expected, but it is clear that we approach this challenge with great humility. It will go through a learning phase and not want to grill the steps. We will build the program accordingly. We work in this direction for several weeks or months; and that’s why we called Daniel and All Sports Management. It’s great to meet Sebastien and Daniel for this project. “
General manager and Loeb’s former WRC co-driver, Daniel Elena added: “I know this is a special moment for Dominique and Sébastien to see their team get involved in rallying and I am happy to be with them.
“It’s a great challenge for Sébastien Loeb Racing and All Sports Management. We will bring our experience and expertise rally through different missions. We share the same philosophy, the same desire and determination.”
