Rally fans are in for an unexpected treat: Sébastien Loeb, the undisputed king of the sport with nine world titles to his name, is strapping back into a rally car for another high-speed adventure. After spending recent seasons blazing through desert landscapes in rally-raid competitions, Loeb is preparing for a fresh blast of adrenaline—this time on the smooth but demanding asphalt of the Rallye du Var.
A Familiar Machine, A Familiar Co-Driver
Loeb will contest the late-November event behind the wheel of the Alpine A110 Rallye GT+, the same machine in which he dominated earlier this year at the Chablais Rally. At his side once again will be Laurène Godey, his trusted co-driver, forming a duo whose chemistry has only strengthened in recent outings.
Despite Loeb’s extensive résumé, this marks his first competitive appearance in the Var region since 2019, when he carried out a test program with Hyundai’s WRC squad. For fans in the south of France, his return is nothing short of a headline moment.
A Demanding Challenge Awaits
The Rallye du Var offers no easy path: across 195 kilometres of timed stages and 14 asphalt tests, competitors will be pushed to the limits over two intense days. It’s a rally that rewards finesse, discipline, and daring—ingredients Loeb has served up in abundance throughout his legendary career.
Loeb hinted that the decision wasn’t originally part of his schedule.
“This wasn’t planned,” he admitted on social media, “but thanks to our friends and partners, we get to enjoy one more shot of adrenaline before fully switching focus to Dakar with the Dacia team.”
Eyes Already Turning Toward Dakar 2026
Although the Rallye du Var offers an exciting detour, Loeb’s long-term vision is clear: the 2026 Dakar Rally, which kicks off on January 2nd. After finishing fourth in the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship, the Frenchman is eager to climb even higher with the renewed ambitions of the Dacia factory program.
Still, fans will savor this unexpected opportunity to watch Loeb dance between the trees, villages, and tight curves of a classic tarmac rally before he shifts entirely to Dakar mode.
Entry List Coming Soon
The official entry list for the Rallye du Var will be released on 21 November, confirming the full lineup of competitors ready to challenge Loeb and the Alpine.
