The world’s best rally combination of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will be running a partial WRC program in 2013, Citroën announced at the Paris Motor Show overnight. Loeb is fast heading towards his ninth WRC title and at 38 years of age is hoping to exit the world stage while he is on top.
It’s important to note that Citroën will be continuing with a three car team in 2013, with Mikko Hirvonen as the lead driver. However it won’t be a fully factory-backed effort.
An official statement from the Citroën World Rally Team reads: “In these tough economic times, Citroën has taken the view that it is essential for it to remain involved in motorsport in order to support its determined and energetic commercial approach. At the same time, it was equally important to find a way of reducing the Brand’s financial commitment to the team’s operating costs.”
Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal explains the team has secured a new major sponsor: “In this context, we are particularly proud to welcome Abu Dhabi on board. This partnership will provide us with the means of continuing our programme and entering three DS3 WRCs in 2013.”
Citroën also said they are considering entering the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, with Sebastien Loeb as the headline act.
[Source: citroen-wrc.com]
2 replies on “Reduced WRC program for Loeb in 2013”
Finally, someone else can have a turn.
[…] title was Mikko Hirvonen coming home in third place. With Loeb set to take on a reduced program in 2013, Hirvonen will be looking forward to spearheading Citroën’s defence. Although, what chance […]