Loeb: Media went too far with WRC return story

Sebastien Loeb has responded to recent rumours hinting at his return to the World Rally Championship in M-Sport’s 2022 Ford Puma Rally1. Speaking to Motor Sport’s Damien Smith, the nine-time World Rally Champion claimed that any discussions only regarded the potential of a few rallies next year.

“I imagine you saw a lot of articles in the last days,” said Loeb. “I don’t know where they are coming out from.

“For sure it is true I spoke with Malcolm [Wilson] about the possibility eventually to come for one, two or three events, but that is it.

“At the moment it was just a discussion like that and my priority is to concentrate on what I am doing: Extreme E and preparation for the Dakar.

“Nothing is done and I don’t know myself whether I will do WRC in the future or not.

“The media went too far with this story.”

The Frenchman went on to applaud the introduction of WRC’s hybrid power unit next year. He explained how it will improve performance as well as adding a strategic element to driving 2022’s Rally1 cars.

For now, Loeb’s attention is on the latest round of Extreme E this weekend, Greenland’s Arctic X Prix.

Adrien Fourmaux is the only driver considered to have guaranteed a spot in M-Sport’s WRC line-up next year. The future of the Cumbrian squad’s other two current drivers, Gus Greensmith and Teemu Suninen, is unknown.

Meanwhile, Craig Breen and Andreas Mikkelsen have been hotly linked to M-Sport next year. The former’s recent brace of runner-up finishes and open desire for a full-time WRC drive have him as many people’s favourite to pilot a Puma in 2022.

You can read Loeb’s full interview with Motor Sport here.

Cover photo by Leo Francis / Red Bull Content Pool