How the DTM drivers experience rally superstar Sebastien Loeb and what they think the 48-year-old Frenchman can do in the AF-Corse-Ferrari at the Portimao opener
The time has come: Rally record world champion Sebastien Loeb will face the strongest DTM field in many years for the first time in the AF-Corse-Ferrari in Portimao. But how will the DTM drivers experience the appearance of the 48-year-old Frenchman, who can’t get enough of racing?
“He’s a big name and a childhood hero for me as well,” says defending champion Maximilian Götz. “You can compare him to Michael Schumacher or Valentino Rossi in motorbikes. One of the absolute top drivers in motorsport.”
And suddenly the man you usually only know from TV is standing right next to you. “I spoke to him this morning and he’s quite funny,” reveals the Winward Mercedes driver.
“I said to him, ‘You better stick to the tarmac and stay off the gravel.’ I think he knows what to do. “
Eng on asphalt specialist Loeb: GT3 car “different beast “
The fact that Loeb, who hasn’t been in a GT3 car for over a decade, is now competing against the elite in this discipline commands Götz’s respect. He is very strong and I think he will adapt quite quickly to the cars that are new to him,” says Götz. “And Ferrari looks strong as well. So I think we will see good racing and a good performance from him.”
DTM returnee Philipp Eng, who is in the Schubert BMW this year and already has one win to his name, also has high hopes for Loeb. “He’s not so used to GT cars, of course, but he definitely knows how to be fast on asphalt,” the Austrian knows about Loeb’s reputation as an asphalt specialist. “That’s where he’s still very fast in rallying. “
A GT3 car is “a different beast” to a WRC car, “but with his talent and skills, I’m sure we’ll see him way out in front,” believes Eng, who also has a personal connection with Loeb.
Preining: “Loeb has nothing more to prove “
“I’m a big fan,” he says. “Back in the day, when the first WRC video games came out, I used to drive his car. So I was kind of a Citroen driver back then. It’s incredible to have a guy of his calibre in the DTM. And it’s a great honour for all of us that he decided to come here and face this tremendous competition.”
But a big name also means added pressure, as Loeb will be in the public eye all weekend. Bernhard Porsche driver Thomas, however, sees the matter a bit differently: “He has nothing to prove because he’s won everything you can win – especially in his main discipline.”
What Preining, who has great respect for Loeb’s decision to take on the DTM, thinks the superstar is capable of? “He is definitely a very good driver, and the car is excellent, too. I’m sure we’ll see him in the front field,” says the Austrian.
