Loeb hints at five-round WRC bid in 2013

Sebastien Loeb’s partial programme in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2013 could total five rounds, the eight-time title winner has revealed.

Loeb will scale back his WRC involvement after almost a decade of dominance as he embarks on a possible future World Touring Car Championship campaign with current employer, Citroen.

Speaking ahead of Rallye de France Alsace getting underway this afternoon, Loeb said: “Really we didn’t plan anything special, just that we start in Monte Carlo and finish the season here, why not? But it’s not decided, the ideal number would be between four and five.”

Of his decision to go into semi-retirement, Loeb added: “One day I had to take this decision and if I did not take it this year I would be in the same situation next year. But I’m really happy to be here again [in Alsace] in this situation. My best memory of rally came here [in 2010] when I both titles at the same time in my hometown. I am in the same situation now and the target is to win both titles again.

“It would be great to do this but we have to get through a really tough rally first. The conditions are difficult on the stages and they are really fast. It will be a good weekend, I just hope there is not the same problem as last year [with my engine].”