Sebastien Loeb to make one-off WRC return in 2015 Monte Carlo Rally

He may be 40-years-old and officially done with competing in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) but former nine-time (that too in a row) champion Sebastien Loeb does not seem to be above throwing his hat into the ring every now and again.

In a move to help promote French manufacturer Citroen's - for whom Loeb is competing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) - DS brand the Frenchman will compete in the 2015 WRC season opening Monte Carlo Rally; an event that he won the last time he contested in 2013 when he was running just a four-event campaign after having announced his retirement.

Loeb will be partnered by co-driver Daniel Elena, with whom he enjoyed his tremendous level of success in his WRC career.

“I have to say I didn’t hesitate for a second when I was offered the chance to compete,” said Loeb on the WRC's official website.

“I think Daniel and I would agree that Monte-Carlo is one of our favourite events. The beautiful roads, the fact of having to gamble when it comes to tyre choice and the party atmosphere that you get on the stages: we can’t wait to experience it all again!

“And of course, it’s an honour to support DS in this new chapter of its history. With the DS 3 WRC – “the little racer” as I nicknamed it when it was first released – I have a lot of good memories; I hope that the 2015 Monte-Carlo will provide yet another. Obviously, it’s going to be a personal challenge for me, as I haven’t competed in a rally for over a year.”

Loeb's retirement from WRC has not seen the legendary Frenchman entirely inactive. He joined Citroen's factory team in the WTCC where he scored two victories and finished third in the championship.