Motor racing is deeply imbedded in Citroën’s DNA, but it
comes in many shapes and sizes.
After dominating several road-based events around the world
for over twenty years, the Brand is now set to turn its attention to track
racing, entering the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) from 2014
onwards.
This will be a new challenge both for Citroën Racing and for
Sébastien Loeb, who will be driving one of the cars entered in the
championship
Citroën Racing’s entry into the world of track racing will
coincide with the introduction of a new
generation of cars, which are more spectacular than the
current crop.
“Competing in a category for the first time, starting from
scratch, gives our division a superb challenge,” confirmed Yves Matton, Citroën
Racing Team Principal. “Having said that, we will be able to re-use a large
part of our existing expertise, starting with the DS3 WRC’s 1.6-litre direct
injection turbo engine. Work has already begun in our Versailles technical
center and is set to be stepped up in the coming weeks, with the first tests of
our car and the start of our development programme to prepare for the 2014
season. Obviously, we’re still committed to rallying and we’ll continue to work
hard to try and get the best possible result in 2013. Our partnership with Abu
Dhabi is set to be reinforced, enabling us to continue to be involved in WRC
with a new system and with new objectives.”
Citroën Racing will be taking part in the entire 2014 FIA
WTCC season. Obviously, the name of the first driver is already familiar: after
winning nine World Rally Championship Drivers’ titles in a Xsara,C4 and DS3
WRC, Sébastien Loeb has made no secret of his enthusiasm about tackling this
challenge with his favourite team:
“First of all, I am pleased that this has been confirmed.
It’s a bit of a dream to think that we are going to write a new chapter in our
history. I can’t wait to get out on track in the car and start testing.
I have used this transitional year to try out various
experiences and to improve my track driving skills.
I don’t expect to win straight away, but I am determined to
get there one day.”
STORY BY CITROËN
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