SÉBASTIEN LOEB RACING LAUNCH WORLD RX PROGRAMME AND WELCOME BACK GRÉGOIRE DEMOUSTIER

After recently announcing its WTCR programme, Sébastien Loeb Racing is delighted to confirm its participation in the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship (World RX).

Making its debut in this spectacular category, the French team will provide Grégoire Demoustier with a car specially developed by prestigious partners, overseen by Georges Kaczka and Pierre Arnaud.

Onroak Automotive and Oreca have spent the past six months focusing on significant research and development work on the chassis and engine of a Peugeot 208 for the series, which has now been completed.

Demoustier is no stranger to the Sébastien Loeb Racing team, having competed with them during the 2016 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The Frenchman also shined in the GT1 FIA World Championship, Blancpain Endurance Series, and TCR International Series, since making his racing debut in 2008.

This season, the 27-year-old will also benefit from his significant World RX experience, after competing in several 2017 rounds with a Peugeot 208.

By taking on this challenge in World RX, Sébastien Loeb Racing has the pleasure to meet up with its co-founder and nine-time WRC champion, Sébastien Loeb.

The Soultz-sous-Forêts, Alsace, based outfit will again rely on its technical know-how and world-class team members that have achieved success together in the various championships they’ve competed in, since launching in late 2011.

“I am delighted to return to Sébastien Loeb Racing with a new programme, surrounded by people I know and have appreciated for a long time,” said Grégoire Demoustier. “With Georges Kaczka and Pierre Arnaud, we were determined to partner Sébastien Loeb Racing, and the project started to take shape as the team was also looking at a World RX programme for this season. 2018 will remain a development year, on the technical side, as well as personally. Even if I competed at some rounds last campaign, it is still a brand new venture and I have not set any objectives for myself. Saying that, we hope to get good results here-and-there and reach some semi-finals. On the driving side, I have strong feelings about the fast and lively format of the championship and cannot wait for the season to start!”

“Entering the FIA World Rallycross Championship represents a new, exciting challenge for Sébastien Loeb Racing,” added Dominique Heintz, co-founder of the team. “The category is developing fast and creates a real interest with the media and fans, as well as it being increasingly competitive. Sébastien knows this well and it will be great to see him during each round this year. We are also delighted to welcome back Grégoire, with whom we had the pleasure to work with in WTCC during the 2016 season. His experience in World RX will be very useful, and it is also always great to work with drivers we know well and appreciate. The car is brand new this season, with a concept that has been pushed right to the limit. The various project members have a strong relationship and I am convinced that all the ingredients are there in order for us to achieve great results, as early as this year.”

2018 FIA WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

1. Spain – Barcelona – 14/15 April
2. Portugal – Montalegre – 28/29 April
3. Belgium – Mettet – 12/13 May
4. Great-Britain – Silverstone – 26/27 May
5. Norway – Hell – 9/10 June
6. Sweden – Holjes – 30 June/1 July
7. Canada – Trois-Rivières – 4/5 August
8. France – Lohéac – 1/2 September
9. Latvia – Riga – 15/16 September
10. USA – COTA – 29/30 September
11. Germany – Estering – 13/14 October
12. South Africa – Cape Town- 24/25 November