Sebastien Loeb wins Qualifying Race at Nogaro

Sebastien Loeb has won the opening racet at Nagaro

Sebastien Loeb has shown his prowess in rallying can be transferred to circuit racing with a thrilling victory in the FIA GT Series opening Qualifying Race at Nogaro in France.

Sharing his Sebastien Loeb Racing McLaren MP4-12C with Alvaro Parente, the nine-time World Rally Champion took over the wheel just after the half way mark of the 60-minute race. He hunted down the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT of Niki Mayr-Melnhof, who took the wheel from multiple Porsche Supercup champion Rene Rast. With just eight minutes of the race remaining, Loeb made a bold move around the outside at the hairpin and went on to score victory.

Loeb was delighted with the win and also paid tribute to his co-driver.

“Alvaro was very good today, he did a great start in the qualifying race and even if our competitors closed the door he never let them go,” said Loeb.

“It is very different from what I am used to do, I am here to learn, but I had a really good time driving the car today, it was a great fight from the start to the finish.”

Loeb will be out to complete the weekend with the 60-minute Main Race later today.