paul
Team Owner
http://www.wrc.com/en_GB/News/NewsDetail/2...tnerfor2003.htm
Rallye Deutschland winner Sebastien Loeb says he wants a "big name" team-mate as his partner in the Citroen squad for 2003.
Citroen had a three-pronged driver line-up for its limited 2002 campaign, entering rising star Loeb alongside either Thomas Radstrom or Philippe Bugalski. Neither lived up to expectations, and the best they can hope for in 2003 would appear to be occasional outings in a third Xsara.
With the team entering the full 2003 season, rumours have linked former world champions Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae with a Citroen seat, amid speculation that Ford is seeking to cut costs by unloading one of its highly paid star drivers.
Loeb is confirmed with Citroen for next year, and when asked who he would like to see join the team for 2003, he replied:
"A driver with a lot of experience, to raise the performance of the car. A quick driver with a 'big name,' so that I know where I am against him."
Both McRae and Sainz fit that bill. While the Spaniard's legendary dedication to test and development duties make Sainz a strong target for the comparatively inexperienced Citroen team, McRae's recent unguarded remarks regarding his Ford contract talks suggest that it could well be the Scot who jumps ship.
Whoever he is up against within the team, Loeb has his own targets for the 2003 season.
"My own goal is winning my first event on gravel," he said. "We showed this year we can win on tarmac, our goal is keeping this pace."
Despite having only competed in eight events at the top level of the WRC so far, Loeb has already taken his first victory and two runner-up spots (one of those being his on the road victory in Monte Carlo that was subsequently taken away when Citroen withdrew its appeal against a second leg time penalty). This explosive form has prompted suggestions that the 28-year-old Frenchman could mount a title challenge in 2003, but he dismissed such talk.
"No, I don't think so," he said when asked if the championship was his goal. "That will (only) be my first season."
Rallye Deutschland winner Sebastien Loeb says he wants a "big name" team-mate as his partner in the Citroen squad for 2003.
Citroen had a three-pronged driver line-up for its limited 2002 campaign, entering rising star Loeb alongside either Thomas Radstrom or Philippe Bugalski. Neither lived up to expectations, and the best they can hope for in 2003 would appear to be occasional outings in a third Xsara.
With the team entering the full 2003 season, rumours have linked former world champions Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae with a Citroen seat, amid speculation that Ford is seeking to cut costs by unloading one of its highly paid star drivers.
Loeb is confirmed with Citroen for next year, and when asked who he would like to see join the team for 2003, he replied:
"A driver with a lot of experience, to raise the performance of the car. A quick driver with a 'big name,' so that I know where I am against him."
Both McRae and Sainz fit that bill. While the Spaniard's legendary dedication to test and development duties make Sainz a strong target for the comparatively inexperienced Citroen team, McRae's recent unguarded remarks regarding his Ford contract talks suggest that it could well be the Scot who jumps ship.
Whoever he is up against within the team, Loeb has his own targets for the 2003 season.
"My own goal is winning my first event on gravel," he said. "We showed this year we can win on tarmac, our goal is keeping this pace."
Despite having only competed in eight events at the top level of the WRC so far, Loeb has already taken his first victory and two runner-up spots (one of those being his on the road victory in Monte Carlo that was subsequently taken away when Citroen withdrew its appeal against a second leg time penalty). This explosive form has prompted suggestions that the 28-year-old Frenchman could mount a title challenge in 2003, but he dismissed such talk.
"No, I don't think so," he said when asked if the championship was his goal. "That will (only) be my first season."