PARIS - FIVE-TIMES world rally champion Sebastien Loeb revealed on Saturday that he is ready to try his hand at Formula One should fellow Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais leave the Toro Rosso team.

'If Toro Rosso need a driver I'd love to help out,' Citroen driver Loeb told French sports daily l'Equipe on Saturday.

'I've heard talk of this possibility for Sebastien Bourdais. But nothing has happened. You shouldn't think of me at the starting line at the Hungarian Grand Prix (July 26). I'd race instead of Sebastien Bourdais.'

He added: 'Who knows, as long as the Formula One and rallying calendars don't overlap anything is possible. If there is a place at Toro Rosso I'm available.'

Currently second in the world rally standings, Loeb spent several hours at the headquarters of Red Bull, the sister stable of Italian outfit Toro Rosso, in England three weeks ago.

The 35-year-old tested with Red Bull last November in Barcelona.

Speculation has been rife that Bourdais could be fired by Toro Rosso after Sunday's German Grand Prix following a series of poor results. -- AFP