From wrc.com

Citroen's rally boss Olivier Quesnel has confirmed that rallying will remain the French manufacturer's priority in 2010 and that he wants Sébastien Loeb to stay at the team until then.

Quesnel revealed his team's plans in an effort to end speculation about the career options available to Loeb after his current contract with Citroen expires at the end of 2009.

Recent tests in a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car and Peugeot Le Mans Prototype have fuelled rumours that Loeb might switch from rallying to circuit racing in 2010.

However, this afternoon in Swansea Quesnel said that even though Loeb would take part in more Sportscar tests next season, he believed Loeb's priority beyond 2009 would be the WRC.

"First of all Sébastien is a Citroen driver and has a contract with us until 2009," explained Quesnel. "But in 2009 the WRC will be only 12 rallies and Sébastien is interested in doing some more practice with the endurance cars (Le Mans Prototype Sportscars) so he will do that with Peugeot - and only Peugeot - but he remains a Citroen driver. Seb will drive the endurance cars but not in competition."

"We have already started discussions with him about rallying for us in 2010 - which means Seb considers that rallying is his priority," added Quesnel.

Quesnel also confirmed that discussions were underway with Citroen about the 2010 rallying programme. "Rally is the priority for Citroen in 2010," he said.


Photo Credit : Citroën Sport