Loeb linked to entry for Monte Carlo Rally 2009, does this mean he will miss the WRC launch at Stormont

Sebastien Loeb is likely to contest the 2009 Monte Carlo Rally driving a Citroen C2 S1600 according to Autosport. The 2009 event, which will be the first round of next season's IRC, starts on Wednesday 21st January and finishes on Saturday 24th January with the first car due back at 01.20hrs.

If Loeb did compete he could possibly miss the WRC launch at Stormont in Northern Ireland which is scheduled for the Saturday 24th January the weekend before Rally Ireland. This event will consist of a Race of Champions style shoot-out around the grounds of the Parliment Buildings. Loeb would have to be on a chartered plane pretty much straight after the Monte has finished to make it for the WRC launch and he would obviously be shattered. Knowing Loeb though, he will make the launch.

Loeb doing course car on the Rallye du Var 2003 in a C2 S1600, could he use one on next year's Monte?

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• Stormont launch 2009 placed into uncertainty due to the controversy surrounding the date of appointment for the WRC global promoter
• Stormont will launch the 2009 WRC the weekend before Rally Ireland
• Stormont will not now launch the 2009 World Rally Championship