Amazing comeback: The greatest legend and most successful WRC driver returns after a break!

Fans of the WRC and probably motorsport as a whole couldn’t ask for a better gift. A major comeback has been announced by the nine-time World Champion and one of the sport’s greatest legends. And of course, he will be making his debut in the opening round of the new season in Monte-Carlo.

From 2004 to 2012, none other than Sébastien Loeb was crowned overall triumphant. It was the Citroën Total team, led by Loeb, who completely dominated the WRC in those years. However, the French driver will be joining the M-Sport Ford WRT team for the 2022 season, becoming part of a new hybrid era.

Following the departure of co-pilot Daniel Elena, Loeb will be accompanied across the World Championship by long-time member of his safety team Isabelle Galmich.

However, it is unclear how many races Loeb will contest, with only Monte-Carlo confirmed so far. However, it is likely that the French racer will choose other races. Together with his biggest rival ever, Sébastien Ogier, they will race only in the sub-events of the 2022 season.

However, speculation about his return has been rife for some time, plus he has been testing with Ford in recent months. Clarity began to emerge in December, and he was due to agree terms with M-Sport at the end of the year.

“It’s a bit more demanding to drive, but it’s exciting to have something new in the cars again. It feels like the 2017 cars, but with new hybrid technology. When I tested it I was surprised how well balanced it was, I really enjoyed it,” Loeb said in a recent interview with WRC.

Monte-Carlo will be Loeb’s first stop since the end of his two-year sub-programme with Hyundai Motorsport in 2020. At the same time, fans will be treated to a truly historic battle between Loeb and Sébastien Ogier.

However, the eight-time world champion has retired from the main WRC programme and will only contest individual events. Even so, all WRC and motorsport enthusiasts are in luck – in 2022 we will probably be able to watch two legends and icons of the sport!

“I love what I do and the sport I’m involved in. I always enjoy driving, but when I’m part of a WRC event, it’s just an amazing feeling. It’s something I enjoy a lot,” Loeb added.

“I think I can still be competitive. Monte-Carlo is not the easiest race to start with because the conditions can be very difficult. But I have good memories of this rally and it always has a great atmosphere,” he concluded

Sources