Since its creation during the off season, Sébastien Loeb Racing has already experienced numerous high points. From the joys of their first podium finish, in prototype and GT, to the team’s first win at Pau with Sébastien Loeb behind the wheel. On June 3, the team will be experiencing another first : their debut on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit during the traditional Test Day. Although Sébastien Loeb Racing will not be at the start of the fabled twice around the clock race in 2012, the Alsacian team is preparing an eventual 2013 participation. A top driving squad will be at the controls of the ORECA 03 : team boss/driver Sébastien Loeb will be joined by Nicolas Marroc, the team’s driver in European Le Mans Series, and Jean-Karl Vernay, who drives in the Porsche Matmut Carrera Cup.
Dominique Heintz : « We want to get our bearings… »
Parallel to their European Le Mans Series program, begun with a second place at the 6 Hours of the Castellet, Sébastien Loeb Racing has chosen to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Test Day. It’s a unique opportunity that Sébastien Loeb and Dominique Heintz couldn’t turn down. « Clearly, our goal is to prepare for the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours, which we want to be a part of, » said the Team Manager. « For the engineers, the mechanics and the rest of the team, it’s a perfect occasion to get an idea of the legend that is Le Mans. The environment is so unique, whether it be in terms of the uncommon track to the event’s popularity with incredibly passionate fans. We want to get our bearings…and we will be able to do so without pressure. »
The ORECA 03, entered in the LMP2 class, will be driven by two young drivers. It’s a choice that makes sense within the logice of the team. « This decision fits perfectly into the philosophy that we have adopted since the creat of Sébastien Loeb Racing » continues Dominique Heintz. « We are preparing for the future, both the team and the drivers. Nicolas (Marroc) is one of our LMP2 drivers and an obvious choice. Jean-Karl (Vernay) drives with us in Porsche Cup, but it’s quickly been made obvious that we wouldn’t limit himself to only that championship. He already has experience at Le Mans in prototypes and he did the Test Day last year with Peugeot. We are counting on these young men with whom we would like to go a long way… »
By their side, Sébastien Loeb will be making his return to the Circuit de la Sarthe, an event he has competed in twice before. « It’s always special to have Sébastien in a car run by Sébastien Loeb Racing » said Dominique. « We have set ourselves a goal : to allow him to run tracks at the highest level in his own team. At the Test Day, we will have a glimpse of that, event though the priority for Sébastien is still the World Rally Championship WRC with Citroën. »
The Test Day will be on June 3 on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. then 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Source : Sébastien Loeb Racing