Citroen Clear Loeb for Formula One Debut

Although Sebastien Loeb was demoted from winner of Rally Australia to the runner-up spot this weekend following a technical infringement – a move that caused some serious damage to his chances of retaining the WRC title this year – the Frenchman received some good news on Sunday.

It seems his dream of finally driving a Formula One machinery may become reality during the season finale at Abu Dhabi. Linked with a Toro Rosso drive several times in the past, the Frenchman has now received confirmation from Citroen's boss Olivier Quensel that he will be allowed to join the Faenza based team if offered the opportunity.

According to the French official, it would be fine for Loeb to do a one-off in Formula One at Abu Dhabi, as the WRC season will already have been over by then. Only two rallying events separate Loeb & Citroen from the end of the season, scheduled for the 23-25th of October. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicks off one week later, on October 30.

“If someone makes a proposal to Sebastien, Citroen Racing will authorize him for the Abu Dhabi grand prix since the rally season will be over at that date,” said Quesnel, who also insisted this will not mean Loeb will abandon rallying for Formula One from 2010 onwards.

“Both parties wish to remain married,” added the Frenchman, referring to the contract between Loen and Citroen. “I am not a gambling man but I bet Loeb will still be a rally driver next year,” concluded Quesnel.

If he will be offered to take the wheel of the STR4 at Abu Dhabi. Loeb will most likely replace 19-year old Jaime Alguersuari at Toro Rosso.