Loeb sets his sights on other challenges outside World RX.

PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb has set his sights on other challenges following Peugeot's withdrawal from the FIA World Rallycross Championship at the end of the 2018 season.

The Frenchman was the only driver capable of preventing the 2018 FIA World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson from claiming a 100% win record. 

He won 2 rounds in his World RX career, and claimed 19 podium appearances to date. 

With an uncertain future ahead for Loeb, he has targeted other challenges, and had  announced earlier this year that he will compete in the 2019 Dakar Rally, in a privateer Peugeot after the manufacturer withdrew at the end of the 2018 event. 

"Yes, its a private programme, because at the moment or next year, I don't know exactly what I will do," said Loeb. "I have been put in the same position as Mattias [Ekstrom]. Peugeot decided to retire from World Rallycross, so that was not great news for us and the team, but its like that, so I need to find some other challenges and I decided to go to Dakar with a private car."

Sébastien Loeb is aware of the challenges that awaits him at the 2018 Dakar Rally in a privateer entry, but relishes the opportunity to compete against the manufacturer teams. 

"For sure it will be different conditions then last year, but its a nice challenge. Its exciting to arrive and to try and fight with the manufacturers," the Frenchman said.

Loeb is uncertain about his future in the World RX, but has hinted of a potential privateer entry in the World Rallycross Championship, but is under no illusion that it will be easy.

"No idea at the moment. For sure I will think to try and build something with the cars and try to run it also as private, but its difficult to find all that we need to do it," said Loeb. "So, for the moment nothing is done. Its complicated!"