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Citroen wants Loeb for gravel test after comeback outing

Citroen WRC team boss Yves Matton says he wants Sebastien Loeb to test the French firm's C3 WRC on gravel following a successful outing on tarmac this week.

Sébastien Loeb, Citroën

Sébastien Loeb, Citroën

Citroën Communication

Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena, Citroën C3 WRC
Sébastien Loeb, Citroën
Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena, Citroën C3 WRC
Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena, Citroën C3 WRC
Sébastien Loeb, Citroën
Sébastien Loeb, Daniel Elena, Citroën C3 WRC

Nine-time champion Loeb and long-time co-driver Daniel Elena had their first run in a 2017-spec World Rally Car when they rejoined Citroen for a test in France's Moselle region on Tuesday, ahead of next weekend's Rally Germany.

That test was undertaken only on tarmac roads, but with Citroen having particularly struggled for competitiveness in some gravel rallies so far this year, Matton says he wants the 43-year-old to try the C3 WRC on loose-surface roads in the future.

“For the moment, nothing is decided but I think it will be interesting to have him on a gravel test session,” Matton told the official WRC website.

“We will see if it is possible. He is quite busy with his rallycross programme and his cross-country events [for Citroen's sister brand Peugeot].”

Andreas Mikkelsen will make his third WRC start of the season for Citroen in Germany, alongside regular drivers Kris Meeke and Craig Breen.

Matton said the feedback Loeb gave on Tuesday, which including running in the wet, could prove useful for the Trier-based event.

"What he did [on Tuesday] was quite interesting and it was quite helping us also if we have some raining conditions in Germany due to the lack of feedback we had during the Germany test in rainy conditions,” Matton said.

“Now we have to see the weather forecast for next week to see if we can use what he did this morning. But his feedback is really interesting and his technical knowledge helps us a lot.”

Loeb's recent test has added to recent speculation he could make a competitive return to the WRC in future, but Matton has already ruled out the Frenchman driving for Citroen before 2018.

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