Sébastien Loeb tests WTCC Chevrolet Cruze

Seven-times FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb has tested the works Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 turbo at the Rockingham circuit in the UK, sparking speculation that the French driver maybe looking at other options outside of the WRC.

The 37-year-old has competed in circuit racing before in recent years, most notably the 2005 and 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Pescarolo team. Loeb also tested a GP2 car in 2009 with the David Price Racing team, as well as competing in the FFSA GT championship.

According to Spanish website Sportmotores, the World Rally Champion joined the RML team on Friday to test the 2011 WTCC dominating Chevrolet Cruze at the Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire, with guidance from fellow countryman and reigning WTCC champion Yvan Muller.

Spectulation is rife about the future career plans of Loeb, who has dominated the FIA World Rally Championship since 2004.

Although Loeb has driven almost exclusively for PSA Peugeot Citroën since 2001, the Frenchman has been strongly linked with a possible switch to the new Volkswagen World Rally team for 2013, but could also be looking at leaving rallying altogether – and with a number of manufacturers set to join the WTCC over the next two years, this could also be a prospective move for Loeb.

Chevrolet Motorsport Manager Eric Néve has reportedly said however that there’s currently no plan for Loeb to join the Chevrolet team in next year’s World Touring Car Championship season.