Frenchman Pierre-Louis Loubet is performing at a good level, which allows him to have arguments inside and outside the Ford Puma Rally1 to extend his link with M-Sport and compete with the British team in the 2023 season.
Pierre-Louis Loubet He knew that his level was above what had been shown in recent years on the Hyundai i20 WRC Coupé from 2C Compétition. However, the French driver had to prove it at the controls of the new Ford Puma Rally1 after reaching an agreement with M-Sport to have a partial program throughout this season. And the truth is that the Gaul is exceeding expectations.
The 2019 WRC2 class champion did not get off to a good start in Croatia. Nevertheless, Loubet showed great maturity in overcoming this bad start at the following calendar appointments. Already in Portugal he left some flashes of his speed to win a great seventh place, although the real turning point came in Italy with a huge fourth place.
“It’s a good season. I’m happy with how the year has gone so far and with the ‘feeling’ with the team. The car is very good”
Loubet made a big impression in Sardinia and in the following appointments, even if in the two fastest rallies of the season he failed to score points. Estonia and Finland were a small setback at the level of results, not so much of sensations. and for sample his enormous performance in the Acropolis Rally of Greece, a test in which he even stood up to Sébastien Loeb during his first stage.
In fact, Pierre-Louis Loubet won his first two scratches in the WRC and even led the Greek test. An unfortunate puncture separated him from the fight for victory and the podium, although with a great pace throughout the weekend managed to climb again to fifth place while their rivals were succumbing to the natural hardness of the Hellenic round.
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interesting flashes
Like is logic, Pierre-Louis Loubet He is very satisfied with what has been achieved and with the messages he has been sending to M-Sport along the way: «It’s a good season. I’m happy with how the year has gone so far and with the ‘feeling’ with the team. The car is very good. In Greece I think we deserved the podium and, without the puncture, maybe we could have made it.”
With his good work as an argument, Loubet throws down the gauntlet to M-Sport: “In order to progress even further, I think we need more time in the car. Everyone wants to play the entire season, but for me, having ten rallies next year would be a really good thing. This year’s program is seven and it is already a good program. I’m grateful for that, but I’ve also been out of the car for a long time between tests.”
Economical support
«I was under some pressure to show what we could do this year and I think we have.» Ultimately ensures a Pierre-Louis Loubet who still has the Rally RACC de Catalunya to continue exhibiting this good level. The Spanish round will serve as closure to a great year and starting point in negotiations to define its program for the next season.
In this aspect, Loubet not only has solid arguments at a sporting level, but also has behind a wide portfolio of partners and sponsors They draw the necessary financial support to expand their program. A not insignificant support and more for a team like M-Sportwhich does not have the budget power of its rivals.
Photos: FIA WRC