Loeb set to race in three to five rallies in 2013

PARIS (AFP) –

French driver Sebastien Loeb is pictured during the second stage of the 48th Rally of Catalonia in Salou near Tarragona on November 10. Loeb confirmed on Thursday that he will race between three and five races during the 2013 season, including Monte Carlo, Sweden and his home race in the Alsace region.

Nine-time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb confirmed on Thursday that he will race between three and five races during the 2013 season, including Monte Carlo, Sweden and his home race in the Alsace region.

The Frenchman announced at the end of his title-winning season last month that he would lighten his schedule next year.

Argentina has been tipped as another potential race for Loeb, with the possibility of an unconfirmed fifth race.

Citroen driver Loeb has won just once in Sweden back in 2004 among his 76 victories in 10 seasons on the WRC circuit and feels he has unfinished business in the Scandinavian country.

“It is a rally, I really want to win on a regular basis,” said Loeb, who will have the number one on his car as defending champion, despite not making a 10th world crown his priority.

He will complete his season with several GT races before moving into the World Touring Car Championship in 2014 as long as Citroen go ahead with plans to build a more powerful car for the gruelling circuit.

The two main drivers for the French team will be Finland’s Mikko Hirvoen, who finished runner-up behind Loeb last season and will race 13 rallies, while Spaniard Dani Sordo returns to the team and will take part in at least 11 races.

“It is an immense pleasure to come back to the team,” beamed Sordo. “The first tests went really well and I am ready to help Citroen in their quest for new titles.

“My personal objective is to win my first race in WRC,” added the 29-year-old, who has finished more than 30 times on the podium without tasting victory.