7 Dec 2012

Loeb to compete in four rallies next year

10:56 am on 7 December 2012

World rally champion Sebastien Loeb will compete in four of the 13 events on the calendar next season.

The nine-time champion says they'll start the season in Monte Carlo and they'll also be competing in Sweden because it's a rally that he would love to win in normal racing conditions.

The Citroen driver says he couldn't begin to think about missing the Rallye de France.

Citroen did not say what the fourth rally would be.

The team announced in September that the champion would not be defending his title next year, with Finland's Mikko Hirvonen taking over as the lead driver and competing in all rounds.

Spaniard Dani Sordo will enter at least 11 rallies and will be nominated to score points in the manufacturers' championship when Loeb is not competing.

Khaleed al-Qassimi of the United Arab Emirates will do eight world championship rallies for the Abu Dhabi-sponsored team, starting in Sweden.