Photo: WTCC

WTCR chief expects strong challenge from Sébastien Loeb Racing

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Head of Eurosport Events François Ribeiro says he has no doubt that the Sébastien Loeb Racing team will be strong contenders for honours in the inaugural season for the new FIA World Touring Car Cup.

The team headed by the multiple World Rally Champion will run a pair of VW Golf GTI TCRs during the season ahead, having agreed a deal to sign former WTCC champion Rob Huff alongside Mehdi Bennani – who will be entering his fourth season with the team.

SLR becomes the first team to officially confirm a WTCR programme with the Volkswagen package and promoter Ribeiro said he expected the French squad to be right in the mix at the front of the field.

“Sébastien Loeb Racing has proved itself at the top level of touring cars since 2014, initially as Citroën Racing’s satellite team in the FIA World Touring Car Championship before going on to achieve success in its own right in the series,” he said. “I have no doubt that SLR can transfer all their knowledge and experience to the FIA World Touring Car Cup when it runs the facelift Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.

“In Mehdi Bennani and Rob Huff, SLR has two super-experienced drivers to call on. Although they have never worked together, the fact they will do so under SLR’s guidance means I have every faith in the team being highly competitive in WTCR and continuing the success story of the Golf GTI TCR.”

VW Motorsport boss Sven Smeets echoed Ribeiro’s viewpoint, and said he was delighted to be able to welcome SLR to the Volkswagen family.

“Over the past few years, Sébastien Loeb Racing has shown emphatically what it is capable of in touring car racing,” he said. “I am delighted that another successful team, with two absolutely top drivers, has chosen to run the Golf GTI TCR.

“We will obviously have our fingers crossed for the team, and hope that the Golf GTI TCR will again be up there challenging for the championship in 2018.”