Loeb downplays his F1 chances

Sébastien Loeb wanted to comment once again on his possible move to Formula 1. Rumors are circulating about the Frenchman’s participation in the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi.

The multiple world rally champion has been linked to a move to F1 as his contract with Citroën in WRC comes to an end.

However, speaking to Autosport, Loeb claimed that this career change is unlikely and that he expects to extend his contract with Citroën, the French manufacturer.

« For the moment, nothing has been done for me to be in Abu Dhabi. It will be too late in the season for me to change my objectives for next year, » said Loeb.

« I am sure I will sign again with Citroën for next year, otherwise, I would have already had to start testing on the simulators for F1. »

« In fact, I am eager to sign a contract with Citroën. Negotiating the contract is the only thing I am focused on at the moment. It would be a pleasure to drive in F1, but I don’t know if I am capable of doing it. »

« I take the opportunity for one-day tests, for example, but I’m not sure I can fight for the victory. My priority is to stay in rallying. »

A few weeks ago, Loeb expressed an interest in driving with Scuderia Toro Rosso, but any hope of a debut with the team was sabotaged by his Citroën team, which clarified that the Frenchman absolutely had to win the title this year.

On its side, Toro Rosso announced through Franz Tost – its director – that Loeb had never been in the plans of the small Scuderia: « The Loeb rumor is quite simple to explain; he is with Red Bull, and some people thought he might do a few races replacing Bourdais. But we want young drivers, and we never aspired to have Loeb drive for Toro Rosso. »