Photo: WTCC Media

Grégoire Demoustier joins Sébastien Loeb Racing for 2016

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Sébastien Loeb Racing have confirmed that Grégoire Demoustier will join the team for 2016, pairing with Mehdi Bennani in one of their Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs, while the team hopes to be able to add a third car, keeping the total of Citroëns on the grid at five, with Citroën Racing fielding just two cars for Yvan Muller and José María López.

Demoustier will be entering his second season in the World Touring Car Championship after competing in his debut season with Craft-Bamboo Racing in a Chevrolet RML Cruze TC1.

The 24-year-old’s best result of the season was ninth place in the first race at the Buriram circuit in Thailand, picking up five championship points over the course of the season.

“I am pleased to join the Sébastien Loeb Racing, I could not hope to be with a much better team,” said Demoustier.

“I’m happy to join a French team and, above all, at team that has shown its ability to fully utilise the Citroën C-Elysée. Mehdi Bennani had an excellent season and there is no secret at this level.

“I learned a lot during my first year…and my goals will be different next year. My ambition will be greater and hopefully I’ll achieve great results in the independents’ ranking. I can not wait to experience the C-Elysée. The car is competitive but I am curious to see its behaviour when driving.”

Craft-Bamboo Racing are set to announce their 2016 programme in the coming weeks, but the Hong Kong/UK-based operation are understood to be set to focus on their TCR International Series and GT campaigns next season, bringing to an end their second stint in the WTCC.