Loeb: Ford likely for '06 - Subaru not interested.

Reigning world rally champion and current WRC hotshot, Sebastien Loeb has said that at the moment his options for 2006 are extremely limited, with Ford the only real possibility.

The Frenchman added that the situation with Citroen is still unclear - and although rumours suggest that they will take a sabbatical next season, before returning with a new car in 2007, as yet nothing has been confirmed. The driver market is particularly competitive ahead of the 2006 season following the withdrawal of both Peugeot and Citroen, something that leaves only two top teams, Ford and Subaru in the WRC - and possibly Mitsubishi, who have made good progress this year. Skoda's future remains unclear, although it is unlikely they would appeal to Loeb as they are struggling to put together a competitive package.

Speaking to his personal website - www.sebastienloeb.com - when asked about 2006, Loeb noted Citroen's position is 'difficult'.

"How can they make a decision [with regard to the WRC] when they do not know what will happen in the future?" he asked. "The new regulations seem favourable, but today, nothing is decided.

"They have said publicly when questioned, that they want to return not only in 2007 - but also with me. However they are only wishes and my situation remains precarious.

"I do not have an alternative [other than Ford for next season] and that annoys me. I wish to have a true choice to decide, but at the moment, it is Ford or nothing.

"Skoda is not yet competitive enough. Subaru does not seem to want me that much and I do not wish to be the second driver alongside Petter Solberg. Mitsubishi is not very sure yet of its programme and Citroen is also unsure.

"With Ford - and Malcom Wilson's M-Sport operation - all is ready. I visited the teams' HQ recently, the budget is ready and the 2006 Focus should go well. But what I really want is a true choice. What I have at Citroen, in terms of philosophy and so on, I know that I will not find that elsewhere.

"On the technical side I've spoken with [Ford designer] Christian Loriaux. He makes very fast cars but reliability is second there - one can easily see that the 2006 car will have some issues in that area. If I must stick with Xsara WRC next year, I am sure to have a reliable car and it will still be competitive. Then, if Citroen returns in 2007, I know the type of car they will be able to make.

"The fact is I'm happy at Citroen and like being in a French team. They do not oblige me to do too much PR work, whereas at Subaru for example, it is practically non-stop! In short Ford and Citroen interest me, but today, one is ready, the other is up in the air."

Asked if he would consider sticking with Citroen in a semi-privateer capacity next season, Loeb confirmed that he would only do that if they definitely decide to return in 2007.

"A complete season in a semi-official team - if all the guarantees were made to do all the events might be a possibility. But a partial programme, that would be too much of a disadvantage," he added.

"It is very important to do all the rallies. Also I must be sure Citroen will return as a works team in 2007.

"As for rumours it could be Marcus Gronholm and me at Kronos Racing next year, what can I say? That does not pose a problem to me.

"He is a very good driver and it would be fun to fight with him in the same car. He is a honest guy and it would not displease me to work with him."