Loeb set for McLaren GT bid

Sebastien Loeb is used to having Daniel Elena for company only when he’s driving flat out in the FIA World Rally Championship with Citroen. However, it will be a different story when he embarks on a FIA GT World Series campaign in 2013.

Alongside his reduced rallying commitments, French legend Loeb will also be taking part in the nine-round GT category in a McLaren MP4-12C run by his own team, Sebastien Loeb Racing.

In order to warm up for his latest challenge, Loeb took part in the final round of the French GT championship with the McLaren in October. He recently tested his new GT machine at the Navarra circuit in Spain.

“I like the McLaren’s handling,” said the nine-time world rally champion. “It’s a very modern design, with a carbon chassis, and extremely high-tech. It’s been competitive in lots of different championships and McLaren seems very motivated. The support that they give their customer teams was a very important factor. The test went well: I think the car has a very nice balance.”

Loeb’s first race in the GT World Series is scheduled for Nogaro, in France, over the Easter weekend at the end of March next year. Each race meeting takes in two one-hour races, with a compulsory pit stop.

Sebastien Loeb Racing has taken delivery of two McLarens, but the identity of Loeb’s team-mate is still to be confirmed.