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Formula One news: Rally Champion Loeb contacts USF1 - GPUpdate.net Formula One


Agents of five-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb have been in touch with the new-for-2010 USF1 team, the French press reports on Tuesday. At present, the Charlotte-based outfit remains undecided on the driver line-up for its first season in the sport but recently spoke with representatives of Loeb, who drove the Red Bull F1 car last November.

Having tested the Red Bull-Renault RB4 at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya last year, Loeb admitted that Formula One remains an attractive possibility for the future although France's L'Équipe has reported that the USF1 team, which openly admits that it is viewing several drivers, has now been contacted by those associated with the man who holds the most ever WRC victories to his name (52).

"Somebody called us - the name being Sébastien Loeb - but it's not for me to give you details of that conversation," USF1 sporting director Peter Windsor commented. "The Toro Rosso team has previously inquired whether I really wanted to do F1," said the man himself, "so, out of curiosity, I wanted to know if I could integrate; people around me have made contact with this new team but I do not know what the reply was."

"Sébastien Loeb has an incredible track record in rallying and would surely bring attention to F1," Windsor added. "We are seeking the American side but we will still consider his profile."

Loeb did admit, however, that he remains highly interested in rallying and is about to extend his works Citroën contract, with F1 remaining in the shadows. "I'm having as much fun as always driving a WRC car and I'm about to extend with Citroën," he concluded. "However, if the opportunity came up to drive in one or more Grands Prix in 2010 and the rallying schedule didn't overlap, why not? Rather than constantly asking me the question of 'Would I be worthy in F1?', I could try - at least that way I would know!"

[X2daC]

Wow... Kimi needs a haircut and a new hat.

... If he keeps the hat a tall tee should come with it.

[JC919]

With al his rally championships Loeb needs a new challenge. It would be awesome to see him at USF1, if Red Bull/Toro Rosso doesn't lock him down in a third car.

[PMac]

Well, it would be nice to have a Frenchman named Sebastien who can actually drive...

That said, while Loeb is obviously a hugely talented driver, he's pretty old to be getting into F1, and how much experience does he have driving open-wheel cars, with a low-slip-angle style, lots of aero, wheel-to-wheel with other cars, racing for track position?

[Alzilla]

I think combining Loeb and a US-born driver would be a great team for USF1. As John said, Loeb needs a new challenge and I'm sure the other WRC drivers wouldn't mind having him out of contention for once. I'd love to see him tear it up, especially driving for USF1.