Loeb talks about his future: “I plan around a return of Citroen in 2007”
Just a few rallies before the end of the season, Sebastien Loeb talks about his current situation and his plans for next season and beyond.
What do you think about Marcus Gronholm going to Ford?

“Now that Marcus has signed with Ford, my chances of joining that team next year are reduced. There is still the possibility of negotiating but the situation has changed. I cannot go in this team in the same conditions. I took a risk and I take the responsibility for it. I plan around a return of Citroen in 2007, with a participation in the 2006 championship in a private team. For now we’ll have to wait until 27 October for the FIA meeting to know if I took the right decision. If the proposal for cost reductions is accepted, nothing could stop Citroen from coming back in 2007. Whatever happens, I should easily find a team but maybe not in the same conditions as at Ford! The good thing is that Citroen are confident for the future.”

What will happen to the Citroen Sport team in 2006?

“Unfortunately, Citroen Sport are planning to reduce their personnel. The group that will stay will exclusively take care of the development of the C4 WRC and to prepare for 2007. However, if we decide to go with a private team, the brand name will be well-represented. If I go with Kronos or with Oreca, I would like to keep my engineer (Didier Clement) and my chief car engineer. They know me well and know the car by heart, they know how I drive, which set-ups suit me well. I think it would be a good thing for me and the team. I sincerely hope that it will be possible. One thing is for sure: I won’t have Guy Frequelin besides me next season. He will stay at Citroen, whether I go in a works team or a private team but he will certainly keep an eye on me!”

Did Daniel participate in the decision process?

“Of course! We have to remember that we are two in the car. Daniel and I share the same vision. We talked together to decide what we would like to do next season. If Citroen come back in 2007, we know what we have in this team, we know what we will lose if we leave but we don’t know what we could have somewhere else. Our work methods are in-line with Citroen’s. It’s a French team, based in Velizy. We know everybody, the atmosphere is great. For all these reasons we decided to take the risk and hope for Citroen’s return in 2007. They gave me a chance, we arrived at this level together. It is important that I don’t let them down, it could – I think – affect their decision to return. I really want to stay with them and Daniel feels the same!

Do you think that you can be competitive next year at the wheel of a Xsara in a private team?

“My hope is to keep my title next year. There are many expected changes because of the new regulations. We will probably use mechanical diffs and a lot less electronics. We’ll have to set-up the Xsara to these conditions. I expect that the 2006 season will be very competitive. With these new rules, everybody is almost starting from scratch! It could change the order! Mitsubishi are doing better and better, we noticed the improvements that they have made. I think that they will be very strong next year, especially that their car is already very close to the 2006 specifications. Subaru were going in the wrong direction in development but they will probably find their way back and do well also. Ford will have Marcus and have one of the fastest cars at the moment. So I hope that the Xsara will still be competitive next year.”

Now you have the record for the most consecutive victories. Is there another record that you would like to achieve?

“A record that I would like to beat is the number of wins of Carlos (Sainz). That’s the record that everybody talks about, that stays in the memories. It is true that I am in a good sequence but it doesn’t mean that it will be so simple. When we see a driver like Marcus that went from 16 to 18 victories in two years, the same thing could happen to me! Everything can change very quickly in rallying. I would also like to win each rally at least once. I hope to win the next two asphalt rallies (Corsica and Catalunya). Rally Mexico should be possible as well, we’ve been fast there even if we’ve never been too successful there. The most difficult one to win is without a doubt Rally Finland!"!

You made a very noticeable appearance this year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Would you like to repeat this experience in 2006?

“It’s true that I really enjoyed it. I really liked to participate to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As for next year, if I have the time and someone offers me a good car to win, why not! But it is not my priority. My priority remains rallying. Doing the entire WRC championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans was quite a heavy programme."

Would you like to try another type of motorsport category?

“Many people would like to see me in an F1 car. It’s true that I would like to try but only for pleasure, just to know how I measure up. It’s not because I am good at rallying that I would beat records in F1. I would need to try and feel how it is but at 31 years old, it seems difficult to start a career in that sport! I would also like to try a circuit moto once again, just for fun! But it’s a dangerous sport and it is easy to get an injury. I’m too old for that (laughter)! Today I don’t really see in which motorsport category I could start a new career because it would require way too much time before getting to an interesting level.”

What will bring this second world title to you?

“I don’t think this second world title will change anything in my life. It’s true that I am more popular. During our trip to the Reunion Island, it was incredible! I couldn’t go to a cafe or restaurant without being recognised. In Paris or in a more general way in France, I am still able to live a normal life. In Reunion, rallying is very popular, which explains why I am well-known there. I had a very good trip there, even if I had a slight injury while surfboarding. Nothing serious though. These few days of rest really felt good!”

Your next goal is to win the Tour de Corse?

“I will do everything that I can to win it! Of course we have to think about the constructors’ title but to win it we have to finish a bit higher than eighth! I think the most dangerous in Corsica will be Duval. He was fast there last year and he was keeping up with me in Germany this year. But there will be Solberg and Gronholm to watch as well.
They are not going to Corsica to fool around!”

On 3 December you will go back to the Stade de France for the Race of Champions. Do you like this event?

“Yes, I am happy to go back to the Stade de France. Last year the stadium was full, the atmosphere was great. Schumacher was there and everybody was waiting for our duel. This year the field is very good once again and the show should also be great! I hope there will be as many people. These are cool duels, there’s nothing at stake but we are competitors above all so we go there to win!”


Tags: sebastien-loeb, citroen, future,