Sebastien Loeb has revealed he has been in contact with the burgeoning USF1 team about the possibility of a Formula 1 outing in 2010, but insists the World Rally Championship is likely to remain his priority for the time being.

The five-time World Rally Champion's name has been regularly mentioned in connection with a switch to the premier single-seater series, most notably with Scuderia Toro Rosso, who are rumoured to be finalising a deal with Loeb to race at the season-ending Abu Dhabi round.

Nonetheless, beyond the links with Toro Rosso – who are owned by his chief sponsor Red Bull -, Loeb confirmed he has been courting interest from rival teams, in particular USF1, about a possible appearance in 2010.

Speaking to French publication L'Equipe, Loeb states that he is interested in participating in a handful of F1 races, even if he insists he is close to re-signing with Citroen for the 2010 WRC season.

"I wanted to know if anyone in F1 was really interested in me,” Loeb, who sampled a Red Bull F1 car during 2008 winter testing, said. “Someone contacted this new team but I don't know what happened.

"I am enjoying myself in the WRC and I am on the verge of extending my contract with Citroen. However, if I get the opportunity to do a couple of races in 2010 when the races don't clash then why not?”

USF1, who recently confirmed a financial tie-up with YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, is one of at least three brand new teams slated to make its debut on F1 grid in 2010, along with Campos and Manor Motorsport.