Loeb: Two-year contract with Hyundai
DEPARTURE FROM CITROËN Hyundai has landed the biggest fish in rallying. Record world champion Sébastien Loeb is switching from Peugeot/Citroën to Hyundai. His first start will be at the Monte Carlo Rally in January. Sébastien Loeb has spent almost his entire career with Citroën and Peugeot. Because Citroën is focusing on a two-car team in 2019 with world champion Sébastien Loeb [...]
Sébastien Loeb has spent almost his entire career with Citroën and Peugeot. Because Citroën is concentrating on a two-car team in 2019 with world champion Sébastien Ogier, who is coming from Ford, and the second newcomer Esapekka Lappi (previously Toyota), Loeb found himself in a dilemma.
Now Hyundai is fulfilling the wishes of the nine-time world champion. The Alsatian, who lives on Lake Geneva, will drive a third Hyundai i20 WRC in six WRC rounds. Otherwise, this car will be entrusted to Spaniard Dani Sordo. The regular drivers at all rallies are Thierry Neuville (Belgium) and Andreas Mikkelsen (Norway).
The aim of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, based in Alzenau, Germany, is to win the manufacturers' title. Although Hyundai held the lead in the standings at times in 2016 and 2017, the prestigious title went to the competition.
The 79th victory has made him hungry
Loeb signed a two-year contract. His first start will be at the Rally Monte Carlo in January. The Frenchman celebrated his 79th WRC victory - his first since 2013 - at the Rally Spain in October, which whetted his appetite for more.
Sébastien Loeb: "After the victory in Spain, I felt the urge to compete in more rallies at the highest level again. Doing this now with Hyundai is a new challenge. I am impressed with the way they are going about it and I am convinced that I can contribute to them finally becoming world champions. I can't wait to drive the i20 WRC at the Monte."
First Dakar, then "Monte"
Loeb therefore has an intensive few weeks ahead of him. First, the 44-year-old all-rounder will compete in a private Peugeot 3008DKR at the Dakar Rally in Peru (January 7 to 17).
After that, the Monte Carlo Rally (January 22 to 27) awaits him. As a seven-time winner (most recently in 2012 and 2013 in the Citroën DS3 WRC), Loeb and his loyal co-driver Daniel Elena, who will accompany him on the rest of the route, know the course inside out.
