The team principal of M-Sport Ford, Richard Millener, says that it is not sure if Sebastien Loeb will take part in Rallye Monte Carlo next month as the team is considering the budget after Ott Tanak's arrival.
Sebastien Loeb competed in four rallies in 2022 with M-Sport Ford from which he won the 90th version of Rallye Monte Carlo while he was leading the other three events on the opening day despite the fact that he had to retire due to mechanical issues. Although the nine-time World Rally Champion is keen to continue driving the Puma Rally1 for 2023, Ott Tanak's contract with the British team makes difficult for them to afford the salaries of both of them. So far, only the Estonian has been confirmed for their driver lineup of next year while it is expected that Pierre-Louis Loubet and Gus Greensmith will continue with the team.
"Obviously we would like to have Seb in the car but I think that is going to be difficult for Monte Carlo, but we won't stop trying", Millener said.
"At the moment we have to put all our resources into Ott and that is where we have got to be realistic".
Finally, Millered responded when he was asked about the negotiations with Loeb: "It will be a funding thing.
"To have two drivers at the top level that come with reasonable but big price tags.
"There is no point pushing ourselves too hard.
"If we are going to go for a championship with one person then we have already clearly said that is going to be Ott and that is where we have got to start strongly.
"As much as we want Seb in the car and love to have him in the team, we have to find the opportunities where we are able to do that with the correct resource".
Source: Motorsport.com
Photo Credits: M-Sport
Post a Comment