Loeb Cancels Abu Dhabi Outing in F1

Five time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb will not make his awaited debut in Formula One at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Although it was rumored he will drive a Scuderia Toro Rosso prepared machinery during the F1 season finale this year, the Frenchman today announced via his spokesman that he does not hold a super license to make the grid at the aforementioned race.

“Sebastien had requested that he have the answer (about the license) today," said Citroen Racing's Marie-Pierre Rossi.

Loeb is currently preparing for the WRC finale in Great Britain, where he aims to secure his 6th consecutive title in the championship. The Frenchman is one point behind Ford's Mikko Hirvonen in the drivers' standings and needs to either win Rally GB or finish ahead of the Finnish driver in order to retain his WRC crown.

In parallel to his WRC programme, Loeb previously tested a GP2 machinery for David Price Racing earlier this month. Although the 2-day testing session was widely regarded as a way of getting used to driving an open-wheeler prior to his F1 debut, Loeb insisted the outing was only for fun.

When testing in the GP2 car this month, Loeb recorded some rather poor times in comparison with the other GP2 drivers.

Talking about Loeb's decision not to risk his image – it all comes down to that, apparently – in making a shameful F1 debut, former French champion Alain Prost couldn't agree more with his countryman.

“Motor sports fans were very curious to see what Sebastien might be able to do in Abu Dhabi, but, really, sense prevails. Sebastien is a great champion and it would be a shame to risk his image. The two disciplines are so different,” said Prost for Europe 1 radio.