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Hyundai switch for Loubet

Pierre-Louis Loubet will switch from a Ford Fiesta to a Hyundai i20 when he contests a third season in WRC 2 this year.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has signed with the Italian team BRC for a nine-round campaign that includes European championship and WRC 2 appearances.

Accompanied by co-driver Vincent Landais, Loubet's season will kick off at next month's ERC counter in the Azores, and he will also tackle the second round Rally Islas Canarias.

His seven-round WRC 2 programme will start at Corsica Linea - Tour de Corse [5 - 8 April] and will include the rounds in Portugal, Italy, Finland, Germany, Wales and Spain.

"This season will give a new impetus to my career, and that's exactly what I wanted," said Loubet, who is a member of French motorsport federation's FFSA Rallye Team.

"This falls at the ideal moment, while Vincent and I are in the upward spiral. We have laid a solid foundation together to move up a gear, and that is what we will do in 2018."

The season includes at least six test days in the i20, which Loubet believes will be critical in the ultra competitive WRC 2 category.

"Every year, the level of the WRC 2 goes up a notch," he explained. "Already in 2017, we were struck by the quality and the degree of preparation of competitors.

"This year, I will be able to test before each rally. It's fundamental. I will not land on a race without knowing the pitfalls of the road or without having taken the time to adjust my car to its best. That's a huge asset."

Zdroj: wrc.com