Mehdi Bennani will chase more FIA World Touring Car Championship success in 2015 – only this time he’ll pilot a Citroen C-Elysee WTCC for series newcomer Sebastien Loeb Racing.
The Moroccan ace, 31, has been part of the WTCC family since 2009 and switches from Proteam Racing, where he scored his maiden victory in the series in China back in October, to Loeb’s eponymous squad.
“I joined the team of Sébastien Loeb to go as high as possible,” said Bennani, who was unveiled as a Sebastien Loeb Racing driver in Casablanca earlier today.
“My goal is always to progress and with the Citroen C-Elysee, which won the WTCC in 2014, it brings together all the elements to succeed. My ultimate goal is to fight for the title. This is my dream and my commitment to Sébastien Loeb Racing will allow me to get closer to that.”
Loeb, who switched to the WTCC in 2014 after winning the World Rally Championship nine times, is delighted to have secured Bennani’s services. “I know him and I know how competitive he can be having raced against him in 2014,” said the Frenchman.
“He has very good experience of the WTCC and his feedback will be useful to the team. Mehdi shares the strong values of our team, such as ambition and fighting spirit. This mind set is crucial in such a project. He is also an ambassador for Morocco and it’s important for Sebastien Loeb Racing to expand its international image.”
Sebastien Loeb Racing will announce its second driver soon. Meanwhile, Loeb will continue with the factory Citroen Racing team when he will go up against Bennani on all 12 rounds of next year’s WTCC including the Moroccan’s home event in Marrakech from 17-19 April.
Jaili Nekmouche, the president of the FRMSA Moroccan federation and Aly Horma, the CEO of the Marrakech Grand Prix, were in attendance at Bennani’s press conference. Nekmouche commented: “It’s fantastic that Mehdi is building on his success in the WTCC by joining Sebastien Loeb Racing. Now we need to look at the new generation of Moroccan drivers and we’re delighted Mehdi will be an ambassador for young kart racers at tracks in Morocco.”
