Sebastien Loeb vs.....

[focus206]

Loeb when was testing cordoba wrc

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CGcBAqhWcAI64hD.jpg

Loeb tested Cordoba WRC? I didn't know that, why did he?

[dimviii]

Loeb with Severine at Castellet
https://www.facebook.com/SebLoebOfficiel/videos/1101835679830534/

[dimviii]

holidays

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKXhav1W8AArNVw.jpg

[danon]

Loeb, Sainz, Despres, Peterhansel - D-ream Team https://video-ams2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpf1/v/t43.1792-2/11842365_10153708219319973_11121307_n.mp4?efg=eyJy bHIiOjE3OTgsInJsYSI6NDA5NiwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJoZC J9&rl=1798&vabr=1199&oh=4e16700e99807220b46eb1649bb65e8b&oe=560AF8E8

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/42/81/Loeb_Dakar_2016_010_428159_560a3bdc4.jpg

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9RzmRcrVoY&feature=youtu.be

[rayh_mx]

Cool Video...

[Tofrallye29]

Loeb tested Cordoba WRC? I didn't know that, why did he?
I'm 'a bit' in late :p
It was in 1998 for Echappement, a french magazine. Each years this magazine choose the best young driver of the year and has a chronicle during the following year. Sometimes they give a test like this one, Quentin Gilbert also tested a Fiesta WRC during a journalist test day in 2011.
Palmares is quite impressive, Auriol in 1983, Bugalski in 1985, Delecour in 1986, Panizzi in 1989, Bernardi in 1996, Loeb in 1997, Bengué (Citroen test driver) in 2000, Bouffier in 2002, Ogier in 2007

[Karukera]

I'm 'a bit' in late. It was in 1998 for Echappement, a french magazine. (...)

Now you mention it :)
It was with Rovanperä's Cordoba.

[makinen_fan]

http://beta.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122773/series-boss-surprised-by-loeb-axing

World Touring Car Championship chief Francois Ribeiro said he was left speechless by Citroen's decision not to retain Sebastien Loeb for the 2016 season.

Citroen's parent PSA group announced last November that the manufacturer would exit the championship at the end of this year, when it will switch its focus solely to its World Rally Championship commitments.

As a precursor to its departure, the marque's works 2016 fleet has been trimmed from four cars to two - with Loeb axed from its line-up.

Ribeiro, whose relationship with the nine-time WRC champion goes back nearly 20 years, said he had been taken aback by the decision.

"Sebastien said he was surprised [and] disappointed; I would add I'm sad," he said. "I'm really sad. I was not expecting that decision.

"Their decision to go back to rallying was more expected to me, but the decision about Sebastien was not something I was expecting.

"I've known him since [French rally talent scheme] Rally Jeunes, since 1996. Sebastien was an electrician at that time, I still have a picture of him - it was not very glamourous - and so I met Sebastien when I was organising that.

"When he gave me a phone call to tell me it was over [with the Citroen WTCC team]... I know his voice, and I know how disappointed he was - and so was I.

"I was speechless. I did not understand but it's difficult to comment."

Having played a significant role in bringing Citroen to the WTCC, Loeb had entered the championship with the understanding that he would race for three years.

That the Frenchman, also a valuable branding asset to the championship, would not be given the opportunity to contest a third campaign puzzled Ribeiro.

"I'm sad for him and the championship that he doesn't have the chance, as he said on his Facebook account, to see how far he can go on his learning curve to challenge [Jose Maria] Lopez," Ribeiro said.

"Lopez is clearly one step ahead of everybody today but I am sad because I respect the challenge [Loeb took on].

"At 40 years old, you are nine times World Rally champion and all of a sudden you say 'next year I'm a rookie'. How many drivers can do this?

"In his mind he was programmed for three years and he knew that his learning curve would be progressive and it is sad to see that he will not be given the chance to go for that third year.

"But it's not his decision, not my decision, and unfortunately there is nothing I can do to help and fix it.

"I was not expecting this, I think nobody was. I haven't been given any explanation.

"I gave him a WTCC pass - it was a joke but I told him the door is always open and if you feel you have unfinished business with WTCC, you give me a phone call and we try to find a solution."

[RAS007]

http://beta.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122773/series-boss-surprised-by-loeb-axing

World Touring Car Championship chief Francois Ribeiro said he was left speechless by Citroen's decision not to retain Sebastien Loeb for the 2016 season.

Citroen's parent PSA group announced last November that the manufacturer would exit the championship at the end of this year, when it will switch its focus solely to its World Rally Championship commitments.

As a precursor to its departure, the marque's works 2016 fleet has been trimmed from four cars to two - with Loeb axed from its line-up.

Ribeiro, whose relationship with the nine-time WRC champion goes back nearly 20 years, said he had been taken aback by the decision.

"Sebastien said he was surprised [and] disappointed; I would add I'm sad," he said. "I'm really sad. I was not expecting that decision.

"Their decision to go back to rallying was more expected to me, but the decision about Sebastien was not something I was expecting.

"I've known him since [French rally talent scheme] Rally Jeunes, since 1996. Sebastien was an electrician at that time, I still have a picture of him - it was not very glamourous - and so I met Sebastien when I was organising that.

"When he gave me a phone call to tell me it was over [with the Citroen WTCC team]... I know his voice, and I know how disappointed he was - and so was I.

"I was speechless. I did not understand but it's difficult to comment."

Having played a significant role in bringing Citroen to the WTCC, Loeb had entered the championship with the understanding that he would race for three years.

That the Frenchman, also a valuable branding asset to the championship, would not be given the opportunity to contest a third campaign puzzled Ribeiro.

"I'm sad for him and the championship that he doesn't have the chance, as he said on his Facebook account, to see how far he can go on his learning curve to challenge [Jose Maria] Lopez," Ribeiro said.

"Lopez is clearly one step ahead of everybody today but I am sad because I respect the challenge [Loeb took on].

"At 40 years old, you are nine times World Rally champion and all of a sudden you say 'next year I'm a rookie'. How many drivers can do this?

"In his mind he was programmed for three years and he knew that his learning curve would be progressive and it is sad to see that he will not be given the chance to go for that third year.

"But it's not his decision, not my decision, and unfortunately there is nothing I can do to help and fix it.

"I was not expecting this, I think nobody was. I haven't been given any explanation.

"I gave him a WTCC pass - it was a joke but I told him the door is always open and if you feel you have unfinished business with WTCC, you give me a phone call and we try to find a solution."

Very interesting indeed, and quite a surprise. I wonder what the future holds for him. A return to WRC perhaps?

[AndyRAC]

I hope we've seen the last of him in the WTCC; a lame duck series. I'd rather see him in something else.

[dimviii]

Happy birthday to the Master

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcJZ90vW0AQKFHQ.jpg:large

[itix]

Damn, I was so caught up with work that I completely forgot to celebrate his birthday! Happy belated birthday Loeb!

[Sulland]

Comgrats, and may I suggest a testrally in your teams new 208 T16 as a present to yourself?

[Viking]

Sebastien Loeb will join Team Peugeot-Hansen to compete in all 12 rounds of this year’s FIA World Rallycross Championship

http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/article/9100/loeb-joins-world-rx-with

[EstWRC]

Brace yourself, everybody will be owned again

[Viking]

https://www.redbullcontentpool.com/international/AP-1MG8BF7TS1W11

[Simmi]

There's always been a big part of me that resisted rallycross. But I gave it a chance last year and now it's going to be must-see I think.

[itix]

I still don't like rally cross but I'll happily read the updates now that Loeb is in it!

[AL14]

I still don't like rally cross but I'll happily read the updates now that Loeb is in it!

Mate, those updates will be the same all the time and you will lose interest again after a while.
Oh well, maybe you could be interested in the gap from Loeb and the second placed, it could vary from circuit to circuit. That could be nice to know. :)

[shaitan]

Mate, those updates will be the same all the time and you will lose interest again after a while.
Oh well, maybe you could be interested in the gap from Loeb and the second placed, it could vary from circuit to circuit. That could be nice to know. :)
Sounds strange, do you believe a new comer can easily catch the top guys in their category?
Maybe Loeb have a 3-year plan and fighting for champion like he did in WTCC.

[AL14]

Sounds strange, do you believe a new comer can easily catch the top guys in their category?
Maybe Loeb have a 3-year plan and fighting for champion like he did in WTCC.

Don't know too much about RX but I remember Loeb participating some years ago and creating empty space behind him after two or three corners...
WTCC was a very mch different discipline than rally... And he was very much near the TOP drivers anyway...
It's not a normal person we are talking about ;)

[janvanvurpa]

Sounds strange, do you believe a new comer can easily catch the top guys in their category?
Maybe Loeb have a 3-year plan and fighting for champion like he did in WTCC.

Who will be anywhere near his skill level and experience? only Solhberg comes near... You think 18-19 year old "Timmys" and "Tommys" just because their dad's drove 20 years ago?

He should be at winning pace before the flag drops on his first heat.

[Sulland]

Sounds strange, do you believe a new comer can easily catch the top guys in their category?
Maybe Loeb have a 3-year plan and fighting for champion like he did in WTCC.

Loeb will challenge Petter for the title in his first season. He is a superb driver, and if the 208 is up to same standard as in 15, and with manufacturer support that is a given - then he will be fighting for top spots!

[Viking]

Don't know too much about RX but I remember Loeb participating some years ago and creating empty space behind him after two or three corners...



Not really...

https://www.facebook.com/fiaworldrallycross/videos/1208039112541914/

[N.O.T]

I think he competed in France before (2013 i think) and did not do well, i am sure he did the US version in 2012 and obliterated the competition, Gronholm actually had an accident in practise and was injured on that same event if i recall correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsDLMyee9l4

[Viking]

I think he competed in France before (2013 i think) and did not do well, i am sure he did the US version in 2012 and obliterated the competition, Gronholm actually had an accident in practise and was injured on that same event if i recall correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsDLMyee9l4

Ohh, The US Parking Lot Drifting Championship... ;)

But I am sure Loeb will be fast right out of the box this year. He will do it properly this time (car,testing and s.o).

[dimviii]

gt cars are they allowed at RX?

[BleAivano]

gt cars are they allowed at RX?

No. RX's top class (super car) are custom built silhouette racers. The other classes are Super1600, Touring Car, RX Lites.

http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/about

I think GT-cars are a little too big for this kind of racing.

[dimviii]

No. RX's top class (super car) are custom built silhouette racers. The other classes are Super1600, Touring Car, RX Lites.

http://www.fiaworldrallycross.com/about

I think GT-cars are a little too big for this kind of racing.

Why not? the sound is amazing.Spectators love to see these cars compete.Unrestricted.

[Munkvy]

I feel a bit sorry for Petter, but he did have two years as champion.

Wonder how long till Loeb starts winning? Petter proved you can come into RX without the history and do well quickly, Loeb is lets face it on another level again. And now has the background of door to door racing as well as being the greatest rally driver in the 21st century.

[shaitan]

Why not? the sound is amazing.Spectators love to see these cars compete.Unrestricted.

Because 4wd rallycross car can easily destroy any GT cars on their own yard :)
2014 ROC event use the polo rallycross car and far more fast than other GT cars.

[pantealex]

RX Supercar goes faster 0-100km/h than Formula1...

[Simmi]

I feel a bit sorry for Petter, but he did have two years as champion.

Wonder how long till Loeb starts winning? Petter proved you can come into RX without the history and do well quickly, Loeb is lets face it on another level again. And now has the background of door to door racing as well as being the greatest rally driver in the 21st century.

I think it will be very hard for Petter this year. It seems he's been hung out to dry by PSA in recent years and he's flying solo versus the might of the manufacturers. I was lucky enough to check out the PSRX workshop in Torsby on the eve of Rally Sweden. They strongly suspected Loeb was coming and Petter said they were doing everything they could to improve the car.

I'd imagine Timmy Hansen probably starts the year as favourite for the title.

[BleAivano]

Why not? the sound is amazing.Spectators love to see these cars compete.Unrestricted.

I think the GT type of cars are a little big and they need more space then a RX-track. RX racing is very explosive/sprintish which doesn't really suit the GT-cars.
Regular race tracks and rally stages suits the GT-cars much better since they are built for speed/flow rather then constant start/stop/tight corners.

[SubaruNorway]

I feel a bit sorry for Petter, but he did have two years as champion.

Wonder how long till Loeb starts winning? Petter proved you can come into RX without the history and do well quickly, Loeb is lets face it on another level again. And now has the background of door to door racing as well as being the greatest rally driver in the 21st century.

He won the Norwegian Championship in 95 and 96 and many years in autocross so he's not completely without history ;)

[gorganl2000]

i'm glad to see loeb taking on yet another championship under his belt. Man it must feel good to be able to pursue your dreams. I've followed his career from rally to porsche gt to wtcc to dakar to rx now,, and i recall him mentioning that the transition to the different motor sports took some time, as is expected anyways. I have no doubt in his driving abilities to be a quality driver regardless of whatever motorsport he chooses, and i mean being able to challenge for podiums/wins. However, i realised in wtcc, that his tendency was naturally to avoid contact with other drivers, whereas some other seasoned drivers were more "rough neck" in their approach. Maybe this comes from his rallying days where its only him on the stages against the clock. i suppose over the 2 years in wtcc he was forced to become more brave in his approach too.
in saying that, rx seems to have has far more contact than wtcc, lots of hitting, nugging, pushing (accidental and purpose). i suppose petter and the other seasoned rx drivers are more accustomed to this than loeb will be at this point, so i expect a settling in period, if he ever completely settles. loeb's driving style is heavily based on outstanding car control and precise driving lines,,,when the pushing starts in the rx pack, it may not be so easy to use that approach unless you happen to be out front.

at the end of the day, i wish him all the best in his new adventure.

[Sulland]

I think it will be very hard for Petter this year. It seems he's been hung out to dry by PSA in recent years and he's flying solo versus the might of the manufacturers. I was lucky enough to check out the PSRX workshop in Torsby on the eve of Rally Sweden. They strongly suspected Loeb was coming and Petter said they were doing everything they could to improve the car.

2016 will be a middleyear for Petter, as he hopefully will get into a Manufacturer team in 17, or form that team around PSRX as Hansen has done with Peugeot.
But I strongly hope Petter can pull a rabbit or two out of his hat, making his 16 DS3 even better than the 15 version!!

[dimviii]

Peugeot gave to Loeb the unique 208 t 16 Pikes Peak

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/130330/peugeot-hands-loeb-his-pikes-peak-208t16

[mknight]

[tinfoil hat on]

PSA doesnt like the publicity Ogier is getting while Citroen team is so down. So they create some media buzz around Loeb.

[/tinfoil hat off]