Sebastian Loeb has, on more than one occasion, expressed his interest in switching over from WRC to Formula One. Now, the French rally driver’s fleeting interest could soon materialise into something concrete in 2010. The five-time world rally champion has initiated talks with USF1, one of the new entrants to Formula One for a drive next year. “Loeb’s manager got in touch with us last week,” USF1 boss Peter Windsor told on the phone.
In the past one year, Loeb, who is currently defending his title in WRC, has expressed his desire to race in Formula One and had also tested F1 cars at the beginning of the season. However, nothing concrete had ever come out of it. Now, it is becoming quite clear that the 35-year-old is keen on a drive. “Loeb’s manager calling us is a significant thing. The Frenchman is a legend and an incredible driver,” Windsor said. DNA
Since a test with Red Bull last November whetted his appetite, the rallying king has been linked to a possible Formula 1 debut with Toro Rosso at this year’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, after the end of the WRC campaign.
And although Loeb is currently focused on defending his WRC crown, French newspaper revealed on Sunday that his agents have contacted the new US F1 team about the possibility of taking part in selected grands prix next year.
“After the Abu Dhabi episode, a team asked me whether I really wanted to do some F1 racing,” said Loeb.
“In turn I wanted to know if I was likely to be of interest to anyone, just out of curiosity.”
Loeb stressed that he expects to renew his contract with the Citroen WRC team and is not planning a permanent switch to F1.
But he would welcome the chance to contest a few grands prix to satisfy his curiosity about how he would perform.
“However, if the opportunity arose to race in one or several grands prix in 2010 when the rally and F1 schedules do not clash, then why not?”
“Rather than constantly asking myself the question ‘what could I do in F1?’, I might as well give it a go.” ITV.com
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