Loubet eyes extended campaign

The Corsican has made a big impression on his maiden year with the British-based squad, but he feels the next step in his career is to up his program from seven to 10 rounds.

Talking after his best performance ever in the WRC – where he scored his first fastest stage time and led a world rally for the first time in Greece – Loubet said he was encouraged by 2022.

“It’s a good season,” he said. “I’m happy for the way the year’s gone so far and the feeling with the team and with the car is really strong. In Greece, honestly, I think we deserved the podium and without the puncture, maybe we could take it.

"On the slow rallies like this one, we know we have the pace and we show that – maybe we need to do more of that on the faster rallies.

“To be able to progress, I think we need more time in the car. Of course, everybody wants the full season, but for me, 10 rallies next year could be really good. I have seven this year and that’s a nice programme and, of course, I am very grateful for this, but it’s a long time out of the car between the events.

“I had some pressure on me to prove what we could do this year and I think we’ve done this.”

Loubet’s final outing of the season comes at RallyRACC - Rally de España next month (20 - 23 October).