Sebastien Loeb takes to the skies with the Patrouille de France (French Red Arrows) with photos and video of the experience

Sebastien Loeb went for a ride with the Patrouille de France (PAF) in an Alpha jet in between WRC duties.

He was flown over the French Alps in Provence by the areobatic flying team who are the equivalent of the RAF Red Arrows. Loeb was impressed by the experience and said that he must return the favour with a ride for the pilots in his rally car.

The flight lasted an hour and took in Sainte Baume Mountain, Saint Tropez, Orange and Gap.

Video of Loeb's flying experience:

Loeb described the experience on his website:

It was an unforgettable experience, and a dream come true for me. The Patrouille de France represents France across the world and I am proud to have been invited to join them today.

They are all passionate about their flying and there are several parallels with rallying, including the efficiency of the vocabulary and terms they use to communicate from plane to plane, which wasn't unlike the pacenotes we use on stages. You could also sense the complicity that exists between the pilots and their technical team."

Loeb added:

I'm not used to being a passenger, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It wasn't scary, either; Captain Bourgeon's flying is extremely precise and he is clearly in control. I had every confidence, so I just say back and profited as much as I could from the flight."

Images: © McKlein

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