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.”
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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