Loeb says WRC return not in his plans

Citroen Racing team principal Yves Matton confirmed in July that it would decide which of the two championships to continue competing in from 2017 onwards by the end of this year.

With the motorsport departments of PSA Peugeot Citroen aligning, Peugeot Sport is faced with a similar decision, while the French manufacturer has also spun off its DS sub-brand as a separate entity, which will compete in the second season of the Formula E Championship in a tie-up with Virgin Racing.

Citroen’s decision will have no bearing on Loeb’s programme however, with the nine-time World Rally champion ruling out a return to the category, stating he’d continue with his own team if Citroen were to withdraw from the WTCC.

“I like my current life. I do not care [what Citroen does],” he told Belgium's La Derniere Heure. “If Citroen leaves the WTCC, nothing would prevent me from continuing with my team as a privateer.”

Loeb gave up his full-time rallying career at the end of 2012, making selected appearances the following year before joining Citroen's WTCC programme in 2014.

His most recent WRC outing came at Monte Carlo this year, where he finished eighth having led during the early stages before suffering a spin and then hitting a rock.

Neil Hudson/TouringCarTimes