Toyota Corolla WRC

At the beginning of the 2000 season, Sébastien Loeb had no budget. He finally entered the French Gravel Rally Championship with the help of Jean-Pierre Champeau. The result was very good as he won the championship in the 2-wheel drive category at the wheel of a Citroën Saxo Kitcar. For many, he was considered as one of the greatest hopes of French rallying. As a result, and as part of his partnership with the France FFSA Team, the decision was taken to allow Sébastien Loeb to get a taste of the WRC at the wheel of a World Rally Car! The Frenchman made his debut in the world's elite at the wheel of a Toyota Corolla WRC (the car that won the 1999 China Rally with Didier Auriol at the wheel). In the Tour of Corsica and then the San Remo Rally, Sébastien Loeb created a sensation by finishing in the top 10 each time! These results put this Corolla WRC in the FFSA colours into the history of the WRC and of Sébastien Loeb.