Seven-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb has announced at Rallye Deutschland that he has signed a new two-year deal with Citroën. He explains the five key reasons why…
Loeb made the shock announcement just before the start of Rallye Deutschland: not only was the 37-year-old staying on in WRC with Citroën – scotching any talk of a megabucks move to Volkswagen – but he was staying on for a full two years, meaning that he is likely to retire at the end of the 2013 season, aged 39.
'I think the last few rallies showed that I still have what it takes' – Loeb
He admits that it wasn’t an easy decision, but here – in his own words – are the five main reasons why the diminutive genius from Alsace decided to stay put.
Reason 1: Brand loyalty
“I’ve spent 10 years at Citroën and it’s where I’ve had all of my success. From a marketing point of view I think we’ve done a great job: my image and the image of Citroën are completely linked. Of course a move to Volkswagen could have been interesting and they were pushing quite hard to get me, but in the end I thought that it wouldn’t have been worth it to throw all the work and relationship with Citroën away for the sake of just one year of competition with Volkswagen.”
Reason 2: He’s still competitive
“I think the last few rallies showed that I still have what it takes, and with Citroën we have a car that is essentially the benchmark in its field. We’re doing well in the championship and I think in the future we will continue to do so. Why walk away from a package that is winning?”
Reason 3: He’s well-rewarded
“Citroën showed me that they really wanted me to stay, which was great. I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made.”
Reason 3: There’s flexibility in the contract
“It’s a two-year contract, but I have the option to stop at the end of 2012 if I want. That’s to stop rallying, not to stop with Citroën and drive for someone else. I don’t think I will be stopping then, but you never know how you will feel in the future: perhaps I won’t enjoy next year as much. We’ll see: it’s good to have the flexibility to do that.”
Reason 4: He has the chance to fight Sébastien Ogier on equal terms
“Whichever car I drive next year, he’ll still be there in a Citroën. Here, I know exactly what I have, so I think we are in a good position to fight him – like we are this year.”
Reason 5: He has the chance to go racing at Le Mans
“It’s not something that we discussed in the contract, but the possibility is there. For now the priority is rallying: it’s what I know. At some point I certainly want to do some more endurance racing, but there’s no hurry.”
Want more?
- Official World Rally Championship website wrc.com
- Classic WRC video: Rallye Deutschland 2004
- WRC Germany event page
- The MINI WRC team prepare for Rallye Deutschland
Citroën Racing Media
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