Loeb at Le Mans : the objective is victory !

It was in Hagenau, the birthplace of the World Rally Champion, Haguenau, where Sébastien Loeb Racing was launched. A team driven by one ambition: to win the Le Mans 24 Hours!

"The highest possible, as soon as possible" is the slogan of the ambitious team, the result of association of Sebastien Loeb, and steadfast friend, Dominique Heintz, presented in detail on Thursday. In recent years, the two friends imagined creating a team that would allow the driver to move on to after the peak of his racing career. The eight-fold world champion, who just signed a new two-year contract at Citroën Sport - with a possible release in late 2012 - can not imagine one day sit on the sofa with nothing to do. Loeb Racing allows him to imagine a new career with high ambitions: Entering the team in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2013 to 2014 - and win in the short term! The two entrepreneurs start from a blank page: from the recruitment of technicians to fill a brand new location in Strasbourg, which will open Monday with the arrival of the first car presented on Thursday night.

This machine is a Porsche 911 GT3 and two cars are lined up next season in the Matmut Porsche Carrera Cup. Engagement in Porsche Supercup is also envisaged. Meanwhile, the team will participate in five rounds of the European Le Mans Series in 2012 and the test day of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 3, 2012) with a Formula Le Mans. The drivers are not yet known but it could be a cunning mix of young talent and gentleman-driver. The boss would occasionally slip into the cockpit of the Porsche world when his schedule will allow him the opportunity.

After this season of learning, there will be a change of gear in 2013 with the appointment of an LM P2 prototype at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013. And, from 2014, the path is clear, since Loeb, who by then may have completed his rally career. "We are building the business around it," Heintz explained. "And at some point at Le Mans, we will race for the win!" Before leaving he has a last ambition:" Sebastian, owner-driver, driving at Le Mans with the confidence of a major manufacturer! ". Plans that put a smile on the face of Champion ... The stuff of dreams for the audience of business leaders and policy makers gathered on Thursday night in Haguenau Alsace, some having already decided to embark on the adventure. Note that the Loeb Racing will also build on the company Séverine Loeb, the driver's wife, named Loeb Events for event operations and public relations.

Finally, Oreca was mandated to take over the marketing and communication of the fledgling team. Since Thursday, Loeb Racing site (www.sebastienloebracing.com) and you can also visit www.loebevents.com.

Photo : HAGUENAU, Thursday 1st DEC 2011. Sébastien Loeb Racing is born : its creators pose around the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup which will be enterd next season in the Matmut Porsche Carrera Cup.