Loeb plays down tales of F1 switch

UPDATE #2 (GMM) In the wake of his Red Bull test last month, Sebastien Loeb has admitted he would seriously consider an offer to switch to formula one in 2010.

The multiple rally world champion, who is contracted to drive for Citroen in the WRC next year, impressed observers and experts alike when he was firmly on the pace of F1's regular drivers during the recent Barcelona test.

"The team bosses think I am too old, but mentally I am not: age would not be an obstacle for me," the 34-year-old told the French newspaper Liberation.

Loeb said: "With a testing program in 2009, I would go to the formula one grid in 2010."

The winner of the last five world rally titles admitted disillusionment with the WRC, criticizing the 2009 calendar, the evolution of the cars, and the regulations.

11/04/08 (GMM) Multiple world rally champion Sebastien Loeb has countered speculation his proper test for Red Bull later this month could be a precursor to a switch to formula one.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has confirmed he will test the Renault-powered RB4 alongside other grand prix drivers at the Barcelona group test on November 17.

But Loeb insists the drive is simply a "present" from the energy drinks company, which is now a major sponsor of his rally team Citroen.

"I'd like to clear up any speculation about me possibly switching to F1. Next year I'm definitely going to be driving a Citroen C4 WRC in the world rally championship," he said.

Following his F1 test debut on an empty track with Renault last year, Loeb admitted that Barcelona is going to be a different challenge.

"I'm going to find myself in the midst of all the regular F1 drivers during an official test," Loeb said.

"I just hope that I don't make a fool of myself!"

11/01/08 (GMM) Multiple world rally champion Sebastien Loeb is set to return to the wheel of a formula one car for a test this winter.

According to the French source RMC, the 34-year-old Frenchman, who made his F1 test debut last year with Renault, will drive the current Renault-powered Red Bull single seater.

The test, backed by a sponsor of his rally team Citroen, is due to take place on November 17 at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya.

Loeb is no stranger to circuit racing, having contested the famous Le Mans 24 hour race twice, in 2005 and 2006.