Rally ace Sebastien Loeb is to drive F1 Renault

Triple world rally champion Sebastian Loeb will get behind the wheel of a Formula One car for the first time in his career. He is due to test the Renault R27 next month at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The Citroen driver will swap his seat in his usual C4 WRC for a single-seater as part of a media day held by fuel company Elf Total. However, both Renault and Citroen have strongly denied rumours that Loeb will make a permanent switch to Grand Prix racing.

In another twist, former Ferrari F1 star Eddie Irvine is set to come out of retirement. The Ulsterman will make a special appearance behind the wheel of a Red Bull VW Touareg Rally Raid Car as part of the opening celebrations to this month’s Rally Ireland.

Fans wanting to see the action will have to make their way to the Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast on November 15.