Rossi and Loeb up for a change

Five-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb is free to race in the final race of the 2009 world championship, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in November.

Citroen Racing boss Olivier Quesnel has indicated he wouldn't stand in the way of Loeb should the greatest rally driver in history want to race an F1 car.

Loeb set some handy times when he tested a Red Bull car in November last year, an experience that whetted the Frenchman's appetite to consider something more serious in a Toro Rosso car.

Toro Rosso team is owned by Red Bull which is also is a major sponsor of Citroen Racing in the World Rally Championship.

Loeb is not interested in a full-time switch to F1 but has more than once expressed his keenness for a one-off race at the end of the rally season.

Loeb is not without handy experience in road racing, having driven competitively in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Next year Loeb may drive again at Le Mans as his Citroen rally boss Quesnel also manages Peugeot sports car squad.

Another multiple world champ, Valentino Rossi, is also planning to extend his love of rallying with another drive after he fulfills his '09 Yamaha bike commitments.

Rossi has also revealed he was sounded out by Ferrari for a guest drive subbing for the injured Felipe Massa at Monza.

But rallying has more appeal to him than F1.