Loeb eyes 2010 F1 race outings

Sebastien Loeb is interested in taking part in “one or several” grands prix next year provided they don’t clash with his rallying commitments.

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 L’Equipe 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,” Loeb told the sports daily.

“In turn I wanted to know if I was likely to be of interest to anyone, just out of curiosity.

“One of my people therefore made contact with this new team [US F1].

“I do not know what the reply was.”

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.

“I’m getting as big a kick as ever out of driving a WRC car, and I'm about to extend my deal with Citroen.

"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.

“At least then I would be sure.”

Team US F1 boss Peter Windsor confirmed that he had been approached by Loeb’s representatives but declined to give any details of the conversation.

The North Carolina-based squad intends to sign an American driver for its debut campaign and would ideally like the other seat to be occupied by an experienced F1 hand who could contribute more to the team’s development.

Nonetheless Windsor suggested Loeb had the talent to adapt to a change of discipline and said US F1 would take the Frenchman’s overtures seriously.

“Loeb has an incredible rallying pedigree and would surely do great things in F1,” he said.

“We’re looking more at American drivers but we’re going to consider his profile anyway.”

Source: ITV