06/09/2009
NEWS STORY
WRC legend Sebastien Loeb has been given the all-clear by his bosses at Citroen to take part in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old, who has previously tested with the Renault and Red Bull F1 teams, has made no secret of his desire to race an F1 car in anger, and with Red Bull a major sponsor of the Citroen WRC team, an outing in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Toro Rosso is not entirely out of the question.
Speaking to the French media, Citroen team principal Olivier Quesnel has said that Loeb, a five time WRC champion, is free to take part in F1 providing it is not during the rally season and does not conflict with his interests at Citroen.
"I am not a Formula 1 boss, so I have no seat to offer Sebastien," Quesnel told AFP, "but if someone makes a proposal to Sebastien, Citroen Racing will authorise him for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since the rally season will be over by then."
It is understood that Loeb is looking at a possible full-time F1 drive in 2010, and a decent outing in Abu Dhabi might help him achieve his dream. According to reports the Frenchman has already had contact with USF1.