John Filippi confirmed at Sébastien Loeb Racing for 2017

John Filippi will switch from Campos Racing to Sébastien Loeb Racing for the 2017 World Touring Car Championship, driving a Citroën C-Elysée WTCC as team-mate to Tom Chilton.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has driven for Campos for three years, in the last two driving a TC1-specification Chevrolet Cruze, but will make the move to the championship winning Citroën for this season.

“I am very happy,” said Filippi. “I will be climbing into a new car that has already proven itself in a great team. When I go out on the circuit for the first tests I will be able to judge where I am in terms of performance and what gap I will have to close to get to the highest level. Only then can I set a goal for the season.

“I can’t wait to start working with my team and my engineer. The winter has been long, I really want to enjoy the paddock atmosphere, my sensations at the wheel of a great car and being in a great team. You really need to be respectful when you are at the wheel of a powerful car like this. The biggest challenge will be to exploit it 100 per cent.”

Filippi was mentored by four-time WTCC champion Yvan Muller last season, and will now drive for former Citroën factory driver Sébastien Loeb’s team.

“I am very happy that we’ve been able to sign this agreement together,” said team owner and nine-time WRC champion Sébastien Loeb. “John is a young driver who is gaining experience. He has cut his teeth in other cars and is coming into our team, which has the means to give him what he needs for himto fully express himself. When I started my career, I was already older than he is today. My first rally was at 22 or 23 years old on a regional level. He has time in front of him and potential, it’s the right moment to do great things together.”