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Sebastien Loeb Racing gets WTCC customer Citroen deal for 2015

Sebastien Loeb Racing will run two customer Citroen C-Elysees in the 2015 World Touring Car Championship, while Loeb himself, Jose Maria Lopez and Yvan Muller keep their works team drives

Citroen announced its expansion to five full-time WTCC entries at the 2014 season finale in Macau.

Loeb's team has previously focused on sportscar racing, running an LMP2 ORECA-Nissan in the European Le Mans Series as its flagship 2014 programme after fielding McLarens in the 2013 FIA GT Series.

"Since it was created, SLR has amassed real know-how at international circuits, in both GT and sports prototype racing," said Loeb.

"The FIA WTCC marks a new stage in the team's development.

"I didn't have to think for very long when the opportunity presented itself for the 2015 season.

"Since the new TC1s were introduced, the championship has been attracting more and more interest, and it's great for Sebastien Loeb Racing to be involved."

No drivers have been announced for the SLR cars yet, although Citroen chief Yves Matton hinted that part-time 2014 factory driver Ma Qing Hua could get a seat.

"It's now up to the team to finalise its agreements as far as its drivers are concerned, but we are all working together to make it possible for Ma Qing Hua to continue his FIA WTCC career with Citroen," said Matton.

"His performances have shown that he deserves the chance to race a full season in 2015."

SLR is also set to maintain some form of sportscar programme, remaining in France's Porsche Carrera Cup at least.

LOPEZ, MULLER AND LOEB STAY ON

Citroen also confirmed that champion Lopez, Muller and Loeb would all be retained in the main works cars next year. They currently hold the top three places in the standings and have so far won 17 of this year's 22 races between them.

"Jose Maria Lopez has had the perfect season this year, thanks to his unwavering commitment," said Matton.

"He has blazed a trail for a new generation of drivers, but now he will have to defend his title, and he will be up against some highly motivated rivals, not least his own team-mates.

"Despite his unflagging efforts throughout the year, Yvan Muller has really been short of success, and he is eager to start afresh next season and go after a fifth world title.

"After achieving his first race wins in the discipline this year, Sebastien Loeb will be looking to do even better next season.

"Switching from rallying to track racing was a huge challenge to take on, but he has already shown that he has all the qualities necessary to become one of the best drivers in the competition."

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