John Filippi joins Sebastien Loeb Racing WTCC team

John Filippi joins Sebastien Loeb Racing to continue his FIA WTCC career with Citroen C-Elysee. For the 21-year-old Corsican driver that would be his fourth consecutive season in the World Touring Car Championship after he spent three years driving Seat Leon and Chevrolet Cruze for Campos Racing, supported by automotive spare parts online retailer Oscaro, which will continue to follow Filippi.

Filippi started WTCC career in 2014, driving Seat Leon and finishing second among independent drivers. In 2015, he switched to TC1 Chevrolet Cruze, finishing 8th among privateers and progressing to fifth place last year.

Filippi spent two WTCC season driving Chevrolet Cruze TC1

“I am very happy. I will be climbing into a new car that has already proven itself in a great team. When I go out on the circuit for the first tests I will be able to judge where I am in terms of performance and what gap I will have to close to get to the highest level. Only then can I set a goal for the season. I can’t wait to start working with my team and my engineer. The winter has been long, I really want to enjoy the paddock atmosphere, my sensations at the wheel of a great car and being in a great team. You really need to be respectful when you are at the wheel of a powerful car like this. The biggest challenge will be to exploit it 100 per cent,” said Filippi.

“I am very happy that we’ve been able to sign this agreement together. John is a young driver who is gaining experience. He has cut his teeth in other cars and is coming into our team, which has the means to give him what he needs for him to fully express himself. When I started my career, I was already older than he is today: my first rally was at 22 or 23 years old on a regional level. He has time in front of him and potential, it’s the right moment to do great things together,” added Sebastien Loeb, team owner.

Photos: fiawtcc.com