Leaves a few events where he can possibly do a WRC drive, but seems unlikely unless they want him to drive in Monte.
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There was a story in Motorsport News this morning specifically about Loeb doing the Monte. Tight turnaround with Dakar but Matton say it's an event where experience and 'feel' in tough conditions can be as much if not more important than extensive pre-event testing.
I can understand them not bothering to test in Wales, as has been said it's expensive and the event is unlikely to be a good one for them anyway, especially given Meeke and Breen will start way back on day 1.
Better to use the rally as an extended test in itself and prepare for next year I would have thought.
Without Ogier Citroen is very unlikely to be top contender in 2018 and I fear they might even consider leaving by the end of the year.
It's not only the speed/consistency and development, but much more the extra funding he will likely get (from Citroen CEO) and pushing the team when he is not happy with the car.
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...or-monte-carlo
Loeb's return in Monte Carlo looking again more probable
interesting comments in the rally radio interview, Breen said he has been sleeping well in the past two weeks regarding next year while Lefebvre says he has a contract but doesn't know which car and hints he'll drive the C3 R5.