Sébastien Loeb will return to the top level of rallycross at the penultimate round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in France.
The nine-time World Rally champion will drive a Peugeot 208 at Lohéac (August 28-30), marking his first FIA rallycross appearance since 2023.
Prior to that, Loeb drove for Peugeot in the world championship from 2016-18, winning two events with a best championship position of fourth.
“I was beginning to miss rallycross, and Lohéac is invariably a special event that attracts large crowds, so I’m really excited to be able to race there again,” Loeb said.
“Rallycross is a tremendously spectacular form of motorsport, and I’ve always enjoyed driving these ultra-powerful cars – they give you such an adrenaline rush!
“The level of competition in the new-look European championship this year looks to be really high, and I can’t wait to get back out there, to work with Eleven Motorsport – where I already know quite a few people – and to race in front of so many French fans!”
Loeb regularly competed in rallycross from 2016-18
FIA category manager for off-road and hill climb, James Nixon, described Loeb’s entry as “a hugely significant moment for the sport”.
He added: “Sébastien is one of the most accomplished drivers in motorsport history, and his decision to compete at Lohéac is a clear reflection of the championship’s growing strength and appeal.
“We continue to work hard to build a competitive and accessible platform for rallycross, and seeing globally-recognized names such as Sébastien returning to the grid is strong validation that those efforts are moving Euro RX in the right direction.
“His presence will be a major boost for the event, the fans, the drivers and the championship as a whole. Lohéac is one of rallycross’ most iconic venues, making it a fitting stage to welcome him back to the sport.”
Andreas Bakkerud leads the European Rallycross Championship by one point over eight-time world champion Johan Kristoffersson. The next event is at Höljes, Sweden (July 4/5).
Lohéac comes in the middle of a break in Loeb’s World Rally-Raid campaign with Dacia, which resumes in September with Rallye du Moroc.
Last weekend he drove a Ford Fiesta WRC at Rallye Vosges – Grand-Est, but next month he’ll also contest Rallye National Charlemagne – Golden Palace behind the wheel of a Porsche 992 Rally GT.
