WRC-News: Citroen Sport vor der Finnland-Rallye von Admin
The two Sébastiens ready to take up the Finnish challenge
The two Sébastiens ready to take up the Finnish challenge
Montag - Juli - 26.07.2010 - 16:58:44 Uhr
Three weeks after winning the Bulgarian Rally which was on the world championship calendar for the first time, the Citroën Total World Rally Team is preparing for an outing on more familiar territory, that of the mythic Rally Finland. In the land of 1000 Lakes, the C4 WRCs will be driven by Sébastien Loeb / Daniel Elena and Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia, who, for the first time, will join the team currently leading the Manufacturers’ Championship in the FIA World Rally Championship.
For the 60th anniversary of their event, the Finnish organisers have innovated by condensing the rally into a 2-day period - Friday and Saturday. Thus, the event will be run at an even more hectic pace than usual putting the resistance of man and machines to an even sterner test!
Victorious in 2008, Sébastien Loeb achieved a real feat by putting his name on the short list of drivers alongside Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol from foreign countries who have won this rally. The six-time world champion, who finished second in 2009, is tackling this year’s event in a humble frame of mind. “I really wanted to win this rally. Now that I’ve achieved this objective, I see things a bit differently. This year
I’ll be starting with sixty-five points in hand over Mikko Hirvonen. I can afford to control my lead as there are three more asphalt rallies to go this season. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going for the win! To do that, though, I have to feel completely at ease.”
Rally Finland with its stages in the forests represents a very special test for the drivers: “Victory is generally just a question of seconds,” Loeb goes on. “To win here you have to be in complete harmony with your car and your notes. You have to be able to really let go and attack each corner, almost as if you’re overdoing it. When you’ve got this off to a tee, you can really throw the car and place it to take the
perfect line in the corner.”
For rally fans, the Rally of a 1000 Lakes is always associated with its famous jumps! But in Loeb’s opinion the biggest difficulty of the event lies elsewhere. “You don’t win the rally by jumping high and long, What’s more important is what you find behind the jumps. It’s crucial to position the car correctly to stay on the right line for the corner coming up after you land. Once you’re in the air you can’t make any adjustments! Year after year I fine-tune my notes with this aim in mind.” While Loeb has already raced in the event ten times, Sébastien Ogier’s experience is much more limited. The winner of Rally Portugal is having his first outing in the Citroën Total Rally Team and he will have to cope with some additional pressure: “Unlike the previous rounds I’m going to have to drive my rally in view of scoring points for the Manufacturers’ World Championship title. The aim is a little different but the approach is the same.
Julien and I have done a lot of work preparing for this rally, and we’ll do our very best. It’s a difficult event with high average speeds and the trees are never too far from the road! It gives you a rush of adrenaline, but we like that; we’re ready to take up the challenge and we’re absolutely determined to show that we’re worthy of the trust that’s been placed in us.”.
Three questions to Sébastien Ogier
You’re going to carry the colours of the Citroën Total World Rally Team in Rally Finland. How do you feel about this promotion?
“Above all I feel proud and joyful. It’s every driver’s dream to join a works outfit one day. It was already more or less the case with the Citroën Junior Team, which gave me a top-class car to drive. But this represents a step up to the very top of the ladder as I’m joining the reigning world championship team. I’m happy even it means a little bit more pressure and greater expectations of me. I’m trying not to ask myself too many useless questions and I’m preparing for this rally like the previous ones.”
Your first outing comes in a particularly difficult rally for foreign drivers. How are you going to make up for your lack of experience?
“I think I’ve lacked experience in all the rallies since the start of the season! It’s true that Finland is one of the most difficult terrains, but I like this rally. Last year, I was happy just to be able to steadily up the pace to the extent that I set the fastest time in the third stage. It remains to be seen if I feel as good again in the opening stages this year. To help my confidence the team has scheduled three days of tests, which is
an enormous boost.
What’s your aim for this rally?
“That’ll depend above all on the objectives the team sets for me. Since the start of the season we’ve shown that we can take the fight to the best on gravel. Even if it’ll certainly be difficult, a podium would be a great result.”
Dani Sordo joins Kimi Räikkönen
Following the asphalt of Bulgaria, the FIA World Rally Championship gets back to gravel with the legendary Rally Finland. For the first time this year, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti will drive for the Citroën Junior Team. The team’s second Citroën C4 WRC will be in the hands of Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström, who are competing in front of their home crowd.
For 60 years now, the 1000 Lakes Rally – which then became the Rally Finland – has been a classic fixture for all the crews. The event is often nicknamed the ‘Jyväskylä Grand Prix’ and it has featured seven times in the top 10 fastest rallies ever held in the history of the World Rally Championship. The quickest Rally Finland took place in 2005, with an average speed of 122.86 kph recorded on the event.
For the eighth round of the season, Citroën Racing has made some adjustments to its team nominations. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia join the Citroën Total World Rally Team for the first time, while Dani Sordo and Marc Marti form part of the Citroën Junior Team as team mates to Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström. The Spanish crew will also be nominated to score points for the Citroën Junior Team in Japan and Great Britain this year.
“The objective of the Citroën Junior Team is to allow young drivers to perform to the best of their abilities at the highest level,” pointed out Team Manager Benoit Nogier. “We have seen this goal being achieved with Sébastien Ogier and we are very happy for him. His results reflect the hard work that the entire team has put in since the start of the season. We hope to be at the same level with Dani, so that he too can show what he is capable of.”
Dani Sordo, aged 27, is currently sixth in the World Championship standings and has finished on the podium twice this year, thanks to third place in Portugal and second in Bulgaria. The Spaniard looks upon his new association with the Citroën Junior Team as a fresh opportunity. “I’ll be feeling less pressure,” he said. “By switching teams, I won’t always have to drive with the fundamental need to score manufacturer points for Citroën at the back of my mind. I’m going to concentrate on just doing my own
rally and delivering the best performance possible.”
For the first time in his short World Rally Championship career, Kimi Räikkönen will be starting an event that he has already contested last year. In 2009, the 2007 Formula One World Champion showed some highly impressive pace before unfortunately going off the road. “We were able to get back up to speed on gravel thanks to a good pre-Finland test,” said Kimi. “Those testing kilometres are absolutely vital on a rally like this one. The experience from last year is certainly going to help, but there is such a performance gap between a Super 2000 machine and a World Rally Car that it’s almost like driving a different rally. I’m really looking forward to getting started. When I was in Formula One, I never got the chance to race in front of my home crowd. I know that there are going to be loads of fans out in service and by the side of the stages. For me, this is a real highlight of the season!”
Three questions to… Dani Sordo
Does joining the Citroën Junior Team feel a bit like going back to your roots?
“I started off on the World Rally Championship driving the Citroën Xsara WRC, when some people from the Citroën Junior Team were also there. These were very happy memories, and we had some good performances that helped me to secure a factory drive. There is a very nice atmosphere in the team and everybody is extremely professional. The results speak for themselves. Everything is there to enable us to
have a very good rally.”
Is Finland an event you have been looking forward to this year?
“Finland a particularly tricky rally that is very fast, and so local drivers tend to do extremely well there. It’s also a rally that personally I love. The speeds we reach are very exciting for any driver and of course we have to take a few risks through the trees and over the crests. It’s an absolutely unique event. You need to have very good pace notes, and to drive precisely and decisively.”
What do you expect from this rally with the Citroën Junior Team?
“I know that I’m joining a very good team. Now it’s down to me to make the most of it. I’m going to try and give it my all on this event, as always do. For the past two years I’ve finished fourth, less than 20 seconds off the podium, and in 2009 I was only a minute behind the winner. My objective is to show that I can be competitive while setting some good times and remaining consistent throughout the event.”
Information
Rally Finland (round 8/13) (29 – 31 July)
Surface: gravel
Where: Jyväskylä
Practical info: The service park, HQ and the media centre are in the ‘Paviljonki’ in Jyväskylä. There is a 1- hour time difference between Finland (GMT + 3) and France (GMT + 2). At 12h00 in Jyväskylä, it is 11h00 in Paris. On the first day of the rally, Friday 29th July, the sun will rise at 4h31m and set at 22h14m. In July, the average maximum temperature exceeds 20°C. The local currency is the euro.
Technical: The engines have already been used in Bulgaria. They will be installed in the C4 WRCs in Germany. The transmissions and spares have been shared with Rally Portugal (already run).
Tyres: 36 Pirelli Scorpion WRC soft tyres can be used including 6 in the shakedown.
Reconnaissance: It is programmed for Tuesday 27th July and Wednesday 28th July from 08h00 to 18h00 with two runs maximum through each stage.
Shakedown: Thursday 29th July between 8h00 and 12h00 in Muurame on a 4,46 kilometre stage whose start is 10,26 km from the service park.
Press Conference: Thursday 29th July at 13h30 in the Media Centre.
Start: Thursday 29th July in Paviljonki at18h00.
Route: 1307,87 km long including 310,05 timed kms. 19 stages (11 different).
Timing: Day 1 – 661,73 km including 147,27 timed kms chronométrés (11 SS, 6 different). Thursday 29th July: start: 18h00 – SS1: ‘Laajavuori 1’ (4,19 km). Friday 30th July – Service A (6h30 / 15 min) – SS2: ‘Urria 1’ (12,75 km) – SS3: ‘Jukojärvi 1’ (22,29 km) – SS4: ‘Urria 2’ (12,75 km) – SS5: ‘Jukojärvi 2’ (22,29 km) – Service B (12h30 / 30 min) – SS6: ‘Lankamaa’ (24,87 km) – SS7: ‘Sirkkamäki 1’ (6,45 km) – SS8: ‘Myhinpää 1’ (15,52 km) – SS9: ‘Sirkkamäki 2’ (6,45 km) – SS10: ‘Myhinpää 2’
(15,52 km) – SS11: ‘Laajavuori 2’ (4,19 km) – Service C (20h30 / 45 min) – last car in parc fermé at 23h59.
Day 2 – Saturday 31st July: 646,14 km dont 162,78 timed kms (8 SS, 5 different). Startt: 5h50 – Service D (5h50 / 15 min) – SS12: ‘Kolonkulma’ (10,35 km) – SS13: ‘Väärinmaja’ (29,29 km) – SS14: ‘Surkee 1’ (19,59 km) – Service E (10h46 / 30 min) – SS15: ‘Leustu 1’ (21,35 km) – SS16: ‘Himos 1’ (20,63 km) – SS17: ‘Surkee 2’ (19,59 km) – Service F (15h10 / 30 min) – SS18: ‘Leustu 2’ (21,35 km) – SS19: ‘Himos 2’ (20,63 km) – Service G (19h08 / 10 min) – Finish at 19h45.
Podium : Sarurday 31st July, at 19h45.
Press conference: Saturday 31st July at 20h30 in the Media Centre.
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For the 60th anniversary of their event, the Finnish organisers have innovated by condensing the rally into a 2-day period - Friday and Saturday. Thus, the event will be run at an even more hectic pace than usual putting the resistance of man and machines to an even sterner test!
Victorious in 2008, Sébastien Loeb achieved a real feat by putting his name on the short list of drivers alongside Carlos Sainz and Didier Auriol from foreign countries who have won this rally. The six-time world champion, who finished second in 2009, is tackling this year’s event in a humble frame of mind. “I really wanted to win this rally. Now that I’ve achieved this objective, I see things a bit differently. This year
I’ll be starting with sixty-five points in hand over Mikko Hirvonen. I can afford to control my lead as there are three more asphalt rallies to go this season. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going for the win! To do that, though, I have to feel completely at ease.”
Rally Finland with its stages in the forests represents a very special test for the drivers: “Victory is generally just a question of seconds,” Loeb goes on. “To win here you have to be in complete harmony with your car and your notes. You have to be able to really let go and attack each corner, almost as if you’re overdoing it. When you’ve got this off to a tee, you can really throw the car and place it to take the
perfect line in the corner.”
For rally fans, the Rally of a 1000 Lakes is always associated with its famous jumps! But in Loeb’s opinion the biggest difficulty of the event lies elsewhere. “You don’t win the rally by jumping high and long, What’s more important is what you find behind the jumps. It’s crucial to position the car correctly to stay on the right line for the corner coming up after you land. Once you’re in the air you can’t make any adjustments! Year after year I fine-tune my notes with this aim in mind.” While Loeb has already raced in the event ten times, Sébastien Ogier’s experience is much more limited. The winner of Rally Portugal is having his first outing in the Citroën Total Rally Team and he will have to cope with some additional pressure: “Unlike the previous rounds I’m going to have to drive my rally in view of scoring points for the Manufacturers’ World Championship title. The aim is a little different but the approach is the same.
Julien and I have done a lot of work preparing for this rally, and we’ll do our very best. It’s a difficult event with high average speeds and the trees are never too far from the road! It gives you a rush of adrenaline, but we like that; we’re ready to take up the challenge and we’re absolutely determined to show that we’re worthy of the trust that’s been placed in us.”.
Three questions to Sébastien Ogier
You’re going to carry the colours of the Citroën Total World Rally Team in Rally Finland. How do you feel about this promotion?
“Above all I feel proud and joyful. It’s every driver’s dream to join a works outfit one day. It was already more or less the case with the Citroën Junior Team, which gave me a top-class car to drive. But this represents a step up to the very top of the ladder as I’m joining the reigning world championship team. I’m happy even it means a little bit more pressure and greater expectations of me. I’m trying not to ask myself too many useless questions and I’m preparing for this rally like the previous ones.”
Your first outing comes in a particularly difficult rally for foreign drivers. How are you going to make up for your lack of experience?
“I think I’ve lacked experience in all the rallies since the start of the season! It’s true that Finland is one of the most difficult terrains, but I like this rally. Last year, I was happy just to be able to steadily up the pace to the extent that I set the fastest time in the third stage. It remains to be seen if I feel as good again in the opening stages this year. To help my confidence the team has scheduled three days of tests, which is
an enormous boost.
What’s your aim for this rally?
“That’ll depend above all on the objectives the team sets for me. Since the start of the season we’ve shown that we can take the fight to the best on gravel. Even if it’ll certainly be difficult, a podium would be a great result.”
Dani Sordo joins Kimi Räikkönen
Following the asphalt of Bulgaria, the FIA World Rally Championship gets back to gravel with the legendary Rally Finland. For the first time this year, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti will drive for the Citroën Junior Team. The team’s second Citroën C4 WRC will be in the hands of Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström, who are competing in front of their home crowd.
For 60 years now, the 1000 Lakes Rally – which then became the Rally Finland – has been a classic fixture for all the crews. The event is often nicknamed the ‘Jyväskylä Grand Prix’ and it has featured seven times in the top 10 fastest rallies ever held in the history of the World Rally Championship. The quickest Rally Finland took place in 2005, with an average speed of 122.86 kph recorded on the event.
For the eighth round of the season, Citroën Racing has made some adjustments to its team nominations. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia join the Citroën Total World Rally Team for the first time, while Dani Sordo and Marc Marti form part of the Citroën Junior Team as team mates to Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström. The Spanish crew will also be nominated to score points for the Citroën Junior Team in Japan and Great Britain this year.
“The objective of the Citroën Junior Team is to allow young drivers to perform to the best of their abilities at the highest level,” pointed out Team Manager Benoit Nogier. “We have seen this goal being achieved with Sébastien Ogier and we are very happy for him. His results reflect the hard work that the entire team has put in since the start of the season. We hope to be at the same level with Dani, so that he too can show what he is capable of.”
Dani Sordo, aged 27, is currently sixth in the World Championship standings and has finished on the podium twice this year, thanks to third place in Portugal and second in Bulgaria. The Spaniard looks upon his new association with the Citroën Junior Team as a fresh opportunity. “I’ll be feeling less pressure,” he said. “By switching teams, I won’t always have to drive with the fundamental need to score manufacturer points for Citroën at the back of my mind. I’m going to concentrate on just doing my own
rally and delivering the best performance possible.”
For the first time in his short World Rally Championship career, Kimi Räikkönen will be starting an event that he has already contested last year. In 2009, the 2007 Formula One World Champion showed some highly impressive pace before unfortunately going off the road. “We were able to get back up to speed on gravel thanks to a good pre-Finland test,” said Kimi. “Those testing kilometres are absolutely vital on a rally like this one. The experience from last year is certainly going to help, but there is such a performance gap between a Super 2000 machine and a World Rally Car that it’s almost like driving a different rally. I’m really looking forward to getting started. When I was in Formula One, I never got the chance to race in front of my home crowd. I know that there are going to be loads of fans out in service and by the side of the stages. For me, this is a real highlight of the season!”
Three questions to… Dani Sordo
Does joining the Citroën Junior Team feel a bit like going back to your roots?
“I started off on the World Rally Championship driving the Citroën Xsara WRC, when some people from the Citroën Junior Team were also there. These were very happy memories, and we had some good performances that helped me to secure a factory drive. There is a very nice atmosphere in the team and everybody is extremely professional. The results speak for themselves. Everything is there to enable us to
have a very good rally.”
Is Finland an event you have been looking forward to this year?
“Finland a particularly tricky rally that is very fast, and so local drivers tend to do extremely well there. It’s also a rally that personally I love. The speeds we reach are very exciting for any driver and of course we have to take a few risks through the trees and over the crests. It’s an absolutely unique event. You need to have very good pace notes, and to drive precisely and decisively.”
What do you expect from this rally with the Citroën Junior Team?
“I know that I’m joining a very good team. Now it’s down to me to make the most of it. I’m going to try and give it my all on this event, as always do. For the past two years I’ve finished fourth, less than 20 seconds off the podium, and in 2009 I was only a minute behind the winner. My objective is to show that I can be competitive while setting some good times and remaining consistent throughout the event.”
Information
Rally Finland (round 8/13) (29 – 31 July)
Surface: gravel
Where: Jyväskylä
Practical info: The service park, HQ and the media centre are in the ‘Paviljonki’ in Jyväskylä. There is a 1- hour time difference between Finland (GMT + 3) and France (GMT + 2). At 12h00 in Jyväskylä, it is 11h00 in Paris. On the first day of the rally, Friday 29th July, the sun will rise at 4h31m and set at 22h14m. In July, the average maximum temperature exceeds 20°C. The local currency is the euro.
Technical: The engines have already been used in Bulgaria. They will be installed in the C4 WRCs in Germany. The transmissions and spares have been shared with Rally Portugal (already run).
Tyres: 36 Pirelli Scorpion WRC soft tyres can be used including 6 in the shakedown.
Reconnaissance: It is programmed for Tuesday 27th July and Wednesday 28th July from 08h00 to 18h00 with two runs maximum through each stage.
Shakedown: Thursday 29th July between 8h00 and 12h00 in Muurame on a 4,46 kilometre stage whose start is 10,26 km from the service park.
Press Conference: Thursday 29th July at 13h30 in the Media Centre.
Start: Thursday 29th July in Paviljonki at18h00.
Route: 1307,87 km long including 310,05 timed kms. 19 stages (11 different).
Timing: Day 1 – 661,73 km including 147,27 timed kms chronométrés (11 SS, 6 different). Thursday 29th July: start: 18h00 – SS1: ‘Laajavuori 1’ (4,19 km). Friday 30th July – Service A (6h30 / 15 min) – SS2: ‘Urria 1’ (12,75 km) – SS3: ‘Jukojärvi 1’ (22,29 km) – SS4: ‘Urria 2’ (12,75 km) – SS5: ‘Jukojärvi 2’ (22,29 km) – Service B (12h30 / 30 min) – SS6: ‘Lankamaa’ (24,87 km) – SS7: ‘Sirkkamäki 1’ (6,45 km) – SS8: ‘Myhinpää 1’ (15,52 km) – SS9: ‘Sirkkamäki 2’ (6,45 km) – SS10: ‘Myhinpää 2’
(15,52 km) – SS11: ‘Laajavuori 2’ (4,19 km) – Service C (20h30 / 45 min) – last car in parc fermé at 23h59.
Day 2 – Saturday 31st July: 646,14 km dont 162,78 timed kms (8 SS, 5 different). Startt: 5h50 – Service D (5h50 / 15 min) – SS12: ‘Kolonkulma’ (10,35 km) – SS13: ‘Väärinmaja’ (29,29 km) – SS14: ‘Surkee 1’ (19,59 km) – Service E (10h46 / 30 min) – SS15: ‘Leustu 1’ (21,35 km) – SS16: ‘Himos 1’ (20,63 km) – SS17: ‘Surkee 2’ (19,59 km) – Service F (15h10 / 30 min) – SS18: ‘Leustu 2’ (21,35 km) – SS19: ‘Himos 2’ (20,63 km) – Service G (19h08 / 10 min) – Finish at 19h45.
Podium : Sarurday 31st July, at 19h45.
Press conference: Saturday 31st July at 20h30 in the Media Centre.
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Dienstag - Juli - 20.07.2010 - 12:21:07 Uhr
Sébastien Loeb will again compete in the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship with Citroën Racing for which he has driven since 2001. The team has also renewed its confidence in Sébastien Ogier for the next three seasons.
The 2011 FIA World Rally Championship will mark a turning point in the history of the sport with the arrival of the new generation 4-wheel-drive 1600 cc turbo-powered cars. Having won five Manufacturers’ World Championship titles since 2003, Citroën has decided to stack all the odds in its favour by entering Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier.
Olivier Quesnel: (Citroen Racing Team Principal): “Obviously, it’s a double dose of satisfaction for Citroën Racing. Not content to have the greatest set of results in the history of rallying, Sébastien Loeb is still as hungry as ever for more victories and titles. His experience, his race intelligence, and his capacity to get 100% out his cars, will be all the more crucial as we’ll have a new car next season. Citroën Racing has
been preparing for the future with Sébastien Ogier for some time now. This is why we wanted to sign a contract with him for the next three seasons. Dani Sordo is still part of our plans for next year, but we have to finalise our budgets before announcing the full programme.”
Sébastien Loeb: “My contract with Citroën allowed me to stop at the end of this year. But my motivation and my will to win are still as strong as ever! The 2011 season will be my eleventh in the works Citroën colours. I think that the world championship will be a very interesting one, as the arrival of a new generation of cars will reshuffle the cards among the manufacturers. Of course, it’s no secret that we’re already working flat out on the new Citroën DS3, and I can’t wait to see where it stands in relation to its rivals. In the meantime, winning my seventh consecutive world title is my main objective.”
Sébastien Ogier: “I’d like to thank Citroën for renewing its confidence in me, and what’s more, for three seasons! I made my world championship debut with this team, and I’ve always said that my priority was to stay with them. I’m thrilled at the idea of driving the new generation World Rally Cars, and of defending the colours of the make at the topmost level. Like Sébastien, I’m fully concentrated on the end of this season starting with the Finnish Rally, where I’ll be part of the Citroën Total World Rally Team for the first time!"
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The 2011 FIA World Rally Championship will mark a turning point in the history of the sport with the arrival of the new generation 4-wheel-drive 1600 cc turbo-powered cars. Having won five Manufacturers’ World Championship titles since 2003, Citroën has decided to stack all the odds in its favour by entering Sébastien Loeb and Sébastien Ogier.
Olivier Quesnel: (Citroen Racing Team Principal): “Obviously, it’s a double dose of satisfaction for Citroën Racing. Not content to have the greatest set of results in the history of rallying, Sébastien Loeb is still as hungry as ever for more victories and titles. His experience, his race intelligence, and his capacity to get 100% out his cars, will be all the more crucial as we’ll have a new car next season. Citroën Racing has
been preparing for the future with Sébastien Ogier for some time now. This is why we wanted to sign a contract with him for the next three seasons. Dani Sordo is still part of our plans for next year, but we have to finalise our budgets before announcing the full programme.”
Sébastien Loeb: “My contract with Citroën allowed me to stop at the end of this year. But my motivation and my will to win are still as strong as ever! The 2011 season will be my eleventh in the works Citroën colours. I think that the world championship will be a very interesting one, as the arrival of a new generation of cars will reshuffle the cards among the manufacturers. Of course, it’s no secret that we’re already working flat out on the new Citroën DS3, and I can’t wait to see where it stands in relation to its rivals. In the meantime, winning my seventh consecutive world title is my main objective.”
Sébastien Ogier: “I’d like to thank Citroën for renewing its confidence in me, and what’s more, for three seasons! I made my world championship debut with this team, and I’ve always said that my priority was to stay with them. I’m thrilled at the idea of driving the new generation World Rally Cars, and of defending the colours of the make at the topmost level. Like Sébastien, I’m fully concentrated on the end of this season starting with the Finnish Rally, where I’ll be part of the Citroën Total World Rally Team for the first time!"
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Dienstag - Juli - 20.07.2010 - 09:04:48 Uhr
...und hier sind noch ein paar Impressionen rund um das Homburger Bergrennen....
Link: Impressionen (Photos by Jörg Steffen Vollrath und Christian Bächle)
Link: Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Link: Impressionen (Photos by Jörg Steffen Vollrath und Christian Bächle)
Link: Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Dienstag - Juli - 20.07.2010 - 09:01:52 Uhr
So nun ist es geschafft !! Auch die Galerie vom Sonntag inklusive der Landschafts-exkursion von Nils Abb ist online!!
Viel Spass damit.
Link: Homburger Bergrennen: Galerie Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Viel Spass damit.
Link: Homburger Bergrennen: Galerie Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Bergrennen: Uwe Lang gewinnt 37. Homburger Bergrennen von Admin
Lokalhelden präsentieren sich gewohnt gut
Lokalhelden präsentieren sich gewohnt gut
Montag - Juli - 19.07.2010 - 18:12:40 Uhr
Der überragende Sieger des 37. Homburger ADAC Bergrennens heißt Uwe Lang.
Bereits im Training konnte der Schweinfurter in seinem Osella überzeugen und die favorisierten F3000-Piloten in die Schranken weisen. Mit drei deutlichen Bestzeiten am Renn-Sonntag war dann der Sieg eine klare Sache, wobei die beiden vermeintlichen Hauptgegner Guy Demuth und Daniel Allais mit ihren F3000-Rennern nach technischem Defekt bzw einem Dreher vorzeitig die Heimreise antreten konnten. Zweiter wurde der Gesamtsieger von 2006, Patrick Zajelsnik (ebenfalls Osella) vor Thomas Rössler, der einmal mehr die Formel 3-Wertung für sich entscheiden konnte.
Gingen die ersten fünf Plätze der Gesamtwertung an offene Sportwagen, war die zweite Hälfte der Top-Ten den Tourenwagen vorbehalten. Hier war der mehrmalige deutsche Bergmeister Norbert Brenner im Ex-DTM Opel Astra V8 das Maß der Dinge und konnte den Österreicher Herbert Stolz, der mit seinem Porsche immer besser zurecht kommt um knapp 1,4 Sekunden hinter sich halten. Dieser wiederum musste sich mit Holger Hovemann gegen den schnellsten Vertreter der Zweiliter-Klasse erwehren, der mit seinem „Yellow Psycho“-Kadett im Training sogar die Tourenwagenriege anführen konnte.
Wie im Vorjahr begann das Wochenende regnerisch, aber ab dem Nachmittag blieb es für den Rest der beiden Tage schön und sommerlich warm. Der samstägliche Wetter-Mix liess die Piloten zunächst vorsichtig ans Werk gehen, aber sonntags hielten sie bis zum letzten Rennlauf Rennleiter, Streckenposten und die Crews der Abschleppwagen auf Trab. Letztendlich konnten 122 der 147 angereisten Fahrer gewertet werden, darunter auch neun der zehn Fahrer aus den Reihen des Homburger Automobilclubs:
Der Quierschieder Gino Kruhs ging im Rahmen der luxemburgischen Meisterschaft ins Rennen und konnte mit seinem Renault Megane an seinem Heimberg erstmals den Klassensieg feiern und nahm so auch verdientermaßen den Pokal für das bestplatzierte Mitglied des Homburger Automobilclubs entgegen.
Wolfgang Marx startete im NSU-Bergpokal, und musste sich der hubraumstärkeren Konkurrenz geschlagen geben. Mit 300 ccm weniger Hubraum im Heck des „Prinzen“ reichte es nur zu Platz zwölf.
In der Gruppe N/F bis 1400 ccm gingen mit Matthias Scheerschmidt, Yannick Scherer und Fredi Marquitz drei einheimische Piloten an den Start, wobei „Schlitzer“ Scheerschmidt nach technischen Problemen im Training seinen Opel Corsa im ersten Rennlauf gegen die teils deutlich stärkere Konkurrenz an die Klassenspitze prügelte. Letztendlich musste sich der Wiesbacher nur einem Gegner geschlagen geben und konnte das Fahrerlager am stumpfen Gipfel hochzufrieden verlassen. Vierter wurde mit Scherer ein weiterer Wiesbacher Opel-Pilot vor Marquitz im Skoda Fabia.
In der ebenfalls hart umkämpften Klasse bis 2000 ccm wurde Kai Neu, der samstags die Klasse zwischenzeitlich anführen konnte, im Ford Escort vierter.
Die Klassen bis 1600 ccm und bis 2000 ccm der Gruppe A wurden mangels Teilnehmer zusammengelegt. Der Klassensieg von Sepp Koller im deutlich stärkeren Auto stand nie ernsthaft in Frage, dafür lieferten sich die beiden Suzuki-Saar-Piloten Hans Peter Simon und Christian Bächle ein sehenswertes Duell, in dem Simon seine Swift Sport mit knappem Vorsprung als schnellster Pilot der Klasse bis 1600 ccm über die Ziellinie fahren konnte.
Rüdiger Bernhard musste mit dem VW Golf Kitcar einen Ausfall hinnehmen. Deutlich auf Podiumskurs liegend verweigerte ein Aufhängungsteil seinen Dienst, sodass bereits vor dem letzten Rennlauf für den Routinier aus Bruchmühlbach Schluss war.
Andreas Herl fuhr erstmals seinen neu erworbenen PRC Sportwagen, mit dem er sich natürlich erst einmal „anfreunden“ musste. Während des Wochenendes gelang dem Pirmasenser eine deutliche Steigerung und mit den erreichten Zeiten und Platz vier konnte er mehr als zufrieden sein.
Den Spirit of the Race-Pokal durfte mit Rainer Koresch aus Merzalben ebenfalls ein Fahrer aus der näheren Umgebung in Empfang nehmen.
Link: Galerie Training (Photos by Bernd Huber)
Link: Galerie Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
Link: Best of (Photos by Richard Inderwildi)
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Bereits im Training konnte der Schweinfurter in seinem Osella überzeugen und die favorisierten F3000-Piloten in die Schranken weisen. Mit drei deutlichen Bestzeiten am Renn-Sonntag war dann der Sieg eine klare Sache, wobei die beiden vermeintlichen Hauptgegner Guy Demuth und Daniel Allais mit ihren F3000-Rennern nach technischem Defekt bzw einem Dreher vorzeitig die Heimreise antreten konnten. Zweiter wurde der Gesamtsieger von 2006, Patrick Zajelsnik (ebenfalls Osella) vor Thomas Rössler, der einmal mehr die Formel 3-Wertung für sich entscheiden konnte.
Gingen die ersten fünf Plätze der Gesamtwertung an offene Sportwagen, war die zweite Hälfte der Top-Ten den Tourenwagen vorbehalten. Hier war der mehrmalige deutsche Bergmeister Norbert Brenner im Ex-DTM Opel Astra V8 das Maß der Dinge und konnte den Österreicher Herbert Stolz, der mit seinem Porsche immer besser zurecht kommt um knapp 1,4 Sekunden hinter sich halten. Dieser wiederum musste sich mit Holger Hovemann gegen den schnellsten Vertreter der Zweiliter-Klasse erwehren, der mit seinem „Yellow Psycho“-Kadett im Training sogar die Tourenwagenriege anführen konnte.
Wie im Vorjahr begann das Wochenende regnerisch, aber ab dem Nachmittag blieb es für den Rest der beiden Tage schön und sommerlich warm. Der samstägliche Wetter-Mix liess die Piloten zunächst vorsichtig ans Werk gehen, aber sonntags hielten sie bis zum letzten Rennlauf Rennleiter, Streckenposten und die Crews der Abschleppwagen auf Trab. Letztendlich konnten 122 der 147 angereisten Fahrer gewertet werden, darunter auch neun der zehn Fahrer aus den Reihen des Homburger Automobilclubs:
Der Quierschieder Gino Kruhs ging im Rahmen der luxemburgischen Meisterschaft ins Rennen und konnte mit seinem Renault Megane an seinem Heimberg erstmals den Klassensieg feiern und nahm so auch verdientermaßen den Pokal für das bestplatzierte Mitglied des Homburger Automobilclubs entgegen.
Wolfgang Marx startete im NSU-Bergpokal, und musste sich der hubraumstärkeren Konkurrenz geschlagen geben. Mit 300 ccm weniger Hubraum im Heck des „Prinzen“ reichte es nur zu Platz zwölf.
In der Gruppe N/F bis 1400 ccm gingen mit Matthias Scheerschmidt, Yannick Scherer und Fredi Marquitz drei einheimische Piloten an den Start, wobei „Schlitzer“ Scheerschmidt nach technischen Problemen im Training seinen Opel Corsa im ersten Rennlauf gegen die teils deutlich stärkere Konkurrenz an die Klassenspitze prügelte. Letztendlich musste sich der Wiesbacher nur einem Gegner geschlagen geben und konnte das Fahrerlager am stumpfen Gipfel hochzufrieden verlassen. Vierter wurde mit Scherer ein weiterer Wiesbacher Opel-Pilot vor Marquitz im Skoda Fabia.
In der ebenfalls hart umkämpften Klasse bis 2000 ccm wurde Kai Neu, der samstags die Klasse zwischenzeitlich anführen konnte, im Ford Escort vierter.
Die Klassen bis 1600 ccm und bis 2000 ccm der Gruppe A wurden mangels Teilnehmer zusammengelegt. Der Klassensieg von Sepp Koller im deutlich stärkeren Auto stand nie ernsthaft in Frage, dafür lieferten sich die beiden Suzuki-Saar-Piloten Hans Peter Simon und Christian Bächle ein sehenswertes Duell, in dem Simon seine Swift Sport mit knappem Vorsprung als schnellster Pilot der Klasse bis 1600 ccm über die Ziellinie fahren konnte.
Rüdiger Bernhard musste mit dem VW Golf Kitcar einen Ausfall hinnehmen. Deutlich auf Podiumskurs liegend verweigerte ein Aufhängungsteil seinen Dienst, sodass bereits vor dem letzten Rennlauf für den Routinier aus Bruchmühlbach Schluss war.
Andreas Herl fuhr erstmals seinen neu erworbenen PRC Sportwagen, mit dem er sich natürlich erst einmal „anfreunden“ musste. Während des Wochenendes gelang dem Pirmasenser eine deutliche Steigerung und mit den erreichten Zeiten und Platz vier konnte er mehr als zufrieden sein.
Den Spirit of the Race-Pokal durfte mit Rainer Koresch aus Merzalben ebenfalls ein Fahrer aus der näheren Umgebung in Empfang nehmen.
Link: Galerie Training (Photos by Bernd Huber)
Link: Galerie Rennen (Photos by Bernd Huber)
Link: Best of (Photos by Richard Inderwildi)
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Montag - Juli - 19.07.2010 - 18:09:22 Uhr
Die Galerie von Samstag ist online.
Viel Spass beim Stöbern!!!
Link: Homburger Bergrennen: Galerie Training (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Viel Spass beim Stöbern!!!
Link: Homburger Bergrennen: Galerie Training (Photos by Bernd Huber)
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Montag - Juli - 19.07.2010 - 07:54:10 Uhr
In diesem Jahr beschreitet der MSC Nordsaar in Kooperation mit dem Serien-Partner SUZUKI-SAAR.de einen neuen Weg der Nachwuchsförderung und schreibt erstmals den SUZUKI-Swift Super-Cup aus. Dieser wird innerhalb der saarländischen ADAC-Slalom-Meisterschaft ausgetragen.
Hierzu können sich je Veranstaltung drei eingeschriebene Teilnehmer der Slalom SF-Wertung qualifizieren .Bei den angesetzten Sonderläufen zum Swift Super-Cup starten jeweils die drei schnellsten Swift Piloten Nenngeldfrei im von Suzuki-Saar.de gestellten Swift N1Rallye.
Bei den ächsten drei Wertungsläufen wird um Punkte gekämpft: Aber es geht nicht nur um Punkte sondern auch um das umsetzen des erlernten. Der überzeugendste aus allen Läufen zum Swift Super-Cup erhält die Möglichkeit beim Endlauf zur saarländischen Rallyemeisterschaft in Losheim den Swift N1Rallye mit professionellem Beifahrer einzusetzen. Man kann gespannt sein wer im Herbst den Swift bei der Rallye rund um Losheim pilotiert.
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Hierzu können sich je Veranstaltung drei eingeschriebene Teilnehmer der Slalom SF-Wertung qualifizieren .Bei den angesetzten Sonderläufen zum Swift Super-Cup starten jeweils die drei schnellsten Swift Piloten Nenngeldfrei im von Suzuki-Saar.de gestellten Swift N1Rallye.
Bei den ächsten drei Wertungsläufen wird um Punkte gekämpft: Aber es geht nicht nur um Punkte sondern auch um das umsetzen des erlernten. Der überzeugendste aus allen Läufen zum Swift Super-Cup erhält die Möglichkeit beim Endlauf zur saarländischen Rallyemeisterschaft in Losheim den Swift N1Rallye mit professionellem Beifahrer einzusetzen. Man kann gespannt sein wer im Herbst den Swift bei der Rallye rund um Losheim pilotiert.
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Rallye: News aus der Rallye- und Bergrenn-Szene von Admin
Homburger Bergrennen - Kubica bei Deutschland-Rallye - Robert siegt in Rouergue...
Homburger Bergrennen - Kubica bei Deutschland-Rallye - Robert siegt in Rouergue...
Donnerstag - Juli - 15.07.2010 - 10:26:05 Uhr
Photos vom Homburger Bergrennen
Wie in den vergangenen Jahren unterstützt das Online-Magazin rallyeracer.de wieder seine Heimveranstaltung und bietet allen an den Start gehenden Fahrern Photos von diesem Rennen zum Nulltarif. Einfach eine Mail an info@rallyeracer.de mit Namen und Startnummer und schon heisst es ein paar Tage später „Sie haben Post“.
Kubica startet bei Reutschland Rallye
Der polnische F1-Fahrer Robert Kubica, dessen Liebe zum Rallyesport längst bekannt ist, will beim deutschen WRC-Lauf starten. In Diensten Renault kommt freilich nur ein Produkt aus gleichem Hause in Frage, so soll der Start in einem Clio S1600 eines italienischen Einsatzteams realisiert werden.
Kostenlos SPEEDWEEK lesen beim Homburger Bergrennen
Die Red Bulletin Schweiz AG mit ihrem wöchentlich erscheinenden Motorsport Magazin SPEEDWEEK ist in diesem Jahr einer der Werbepartner des Homburger ADAC Bergrennens. SPEEDWEEK ist Motorsport zu lesen, und dass jeden Dienstag neu. Auf 80 Seiten mit Rennberichten und Hintergründen zur Formel 1, Rallye, Sportwagen, Moto-GP, IDM, Superbike, Motocross und mehr. Selbstverständlich kommt in SPEEDWEEK auch der Bergrennsport, meist mit ganzseitigen Veröffentlichungen, nicht zu kurz. Für alle Teilnehmer und Zuschauer des Homburger Bergrennens, die SPEEDWEEK noch nicht kennen, verteilt der Homburger AC 1.500 aktuelle Freiexemplare unters Volk.
(Text: Th. Bubel)
Robert siegt in Rouergue
Mit dem Sieg der Rallye Rouergue Aveyron Midi-Pyrenees konnte Cedric Robert (Peugeot 307 WRC) am vergangen Wochenende die Führung in der französischen Rallyemeisterschaft übernehmen. Hierbei profitierte er allerdings vom Ausfall Bouffiers, der seinen 207 S200 in der vorletzten WP im Unterholz versenkte. Mit seinem zweiten Ausfall in dieser Saison hat Bouffier seine Joker verspielt und muss bei den ausstehenden vier Rallyes voll punkten, um in den Meisterschaftskampf noch eingreifen zu können. Der amtierende Meister Canivenq bot im neuen Fiesta R2 eine starke Leistung und konnte bis zum Ausfall das Tempo der C2R2 mitgehen.
Ergebnis
1 ROBERT Cédric Peugeot 307 WRC 2h04:27:4
2 TSJOEN Pieter Ford Focus WRC +0:50:2
3 DA CUNHA Jean-Michel Peugeot 307 WRC +6:11:9
4 GAL Ludovic Peugeot 207 S2000 +8:50:0
5 AMOURETTE Marc Citroën C2 Super 1600 +9:55:7
6 GUIGOU Emmanuel Renault Clio R3 +10:00:2
7 DUB Clément Fiat Grande Punto S2000 +10:02:0
8 AUGOYARD Arnaud Renault Clio S1600 + 9:55:7
9 SIROT Guillaume Citroën C2 R2 +13:28:3
10 MARCHE Pierre Renault Clio RS +14:09:6
Ausfälle:
ROCHE Pierre SUBARU Impreza WRC technischer Defekt WP2
BOUFFIER Bryan PEUGEOT 207 S2000 Unfall WP12
DUMAS Romain PORSCHE 996 GT3 RS Unfall WP 2
CANIVENQ Guillaume Ford Fiesta R2 technischer Defekt WP 10
LEANDRI Jean-Mathieu PEUGEOT 207 S2000 technischer Defekt WP 7
BECT Fabrice PEUGEOT 207 RC technischer Defekt WP 8
BONNEFIS Germain CITROEN C2 R2 Max Unfall WP 13
Meisterschaftsstand
1. Cédric Robert, 56 Punkte
2. Pieter Tsjoen, 48
3. Bryan Bouffier, 41
4. Emmanuel Guigou, 38
5. Marc Amourette, 35
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Wie in den vergangenen Jahren unterstützt das Online-Magazin rallyeracer.de wieder seine Heimveranstaltung und bietet allen an den Start gehenden Fahrern Photos von diesem Rennen zum Nulltarif. Einfach eine Mail an info@rallyeracer.de mit Namen und Startnummer und schon heisst es ein paar Tage später „Sie haben Post“.
Kubica startet bei Reutschland Rallye
Der polnische F1-Fahrer Robert Kubica, dessen Liebe zum Rallyesport längst bekannt ist, will beim deutschen WRC-Lauf starten. In Diensten Renault kommt freilich nur ein Produkt aus gleichem Hause in Frage, so soll der Start in einem Clio S1600 eines italienischen Einsatzteams realisiert werden.
Kostenlos SPEEDWEEK lesen beim Homburger Bergrennen
Die Red Bulletin Schweiz AG mit ihrem wöchentlich erscheinenden Motorsport Magazin SPEEDWEEK ist in diesem Jahr einer der Werbepartner des Homburger ADAC Bergrennens. SPEEDWEEK ist Motorsport zu lesen, und dass jeden Dienstag neu. Auf 80 Seiten mit Rennberichten und Hintergründen zur Formel 1, Rallye, Sportwagen, Moto-GP, IDM, Superbike, Motocross und mehr. Selbstverständlich kommt in SPEEDWEEK auch der Bergrennsport, meist mit ganzseitigen Veröffentlichungen, nicht zu kurz. Für alle Teilnehmer und Zuschauer des Homburger Bergrennens, die SPEEDWEEK noch nicht kennen, verteilt der Homburger AC 1.500 aktuelle Freiexemplare unters Volk.
(Text: Th. Bubel)
Robert siegt in Rouergue
Mit dem Sieg der Rallye Rouergue Aveyron Midi-Pyrenees konnte Cedric Robert (Peugeot 307 WRC) am vergangen Wochenende die Führung in der französischen Rallyemeisterschaft übernehmen. Hierbei profitierte er allerdings vom Ausfall Bouffiers, der seinen 207 S200 in der vorletzten WP im Unterholz versenkte. Mit seinem zweiten Ausfall in dieser Saison hat Bouffier seine Joker verspielt und muss bei den ausstehenden vier Rallyes voll punkten, um in den Meisterschaftskampf noch eingreifen zu können. Der amtierende Meister Canivenq bot im neuen Fiesta R2 eine starke Leistung und konnte bis zum Ausfall das Tempo der C2R2 mitgehen.
Ergebnis
1 ROBERT Cédric Peugeot 307 WRC 2h04:27:4
2 TSJOEN Pieter Ford Focus WRC +0:50:2
3 DA CUNHA Jean-Michel Peugeot 307 WRC +6:11:9
4 GAL Ludovic Peugeot 207 S2000 +8:50:0
5 AMOURETTE Marc Citroën C2 Super 1600 +9:55:7
6 GUIGOU Emmanuel Renault Clio R3 +10:00:2
7 DUB Clément Fiat Grande Punto S2000 +10:02:0
8 AUGOYARD Arnaud Renault Clio S1600 + 9:55:7
9 SIROT Guillaume Citroën C2 R2 +13:28:3
10 MARCHE Pierre Renault Clio RS +14:09:6
Ausfälle:
ROCHE Pierre SUBARU Impreza WRC technischer Defekt WP2
BOUFFIER Bryan PEUGEOT 207 S2000 Unfall WP12
DUMAS Romain PORSCHE 996 GT3 RS Unfall WP 2
CANIVENQ Guillaume Ford Fiesta R2 technischer Defekt WP 10
LEANDRI Jean-Mathieu PEUGEOT 207 S2000 technischer Defekt WP 7
BECT Fabrice PEUGEOT 207 RC technischer Defekt WP 8
BONNEFIS Germain CITROEN C2 R2 Max Unfall WP 13
Meisterschaftsstand
1. Cédric Robert, 56 Punkte
2. Pieter Tsjoen, 48
3. Bryan Bouffier, 41
4. Emmanuel Guigou, 38
5. Marc Amourette, 35
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Dienstag - Juli - 13.07.2010 - 12:18:34 Uhr
22 – KEVIN ABBRING (NLD, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – Disappointed to finish Day One in fifth nearly two minutes behind leader Arzeno, Abbring didn’t suffer any significant problems. He set slower times than he had hoped, but was already improving after just one day of rallying. His times were on average 0.5 seconds per kilometre faster than on his last WRC tarmac rallying in Catalunya in 2009 and by the end of SS3, Abbring had shaved 22 seconds off his SS1 time. On the back of his first J-WRC win in Portugal and with Championship rival Burkart absent in Bulgaria, this is Abbring’s chance to snatch the lead in the J-WRC standings and he entered Day Two more confident and ready to push harder.
Day Two – The back of Abbring’s Clio was sliding a lot on SS6, but he had a good morning nonetheless, climbing to fourth. However, disaster struck in the afternoon when a broken alternator forced him to stop at the start of SS10 and superally, pulling him back to eighth place.
Day Three – Abbring restarted on Day Three, but had lost too much time to rival the series leaders. He did however put in strong times despite struggling with bad pace notes on SS12 and finished in seventh. This gave him six J-WRC points and promoted him to Championship leader.
23 – HANS WEIJS (NLD, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Weijs finished Day One in third place in the J-WRC, under half a minute behind leaders Arzeno and Neuville. A consistently strong performance clocking the third fastest time on each of the day’s four stages was undermined by brake troubles during SS2 and SS3. The same problem plagued Weijs in Portugal, his first round of the 2010 J-WRC, forcing him to retire without earning any Championship points.
Day Two – Weijs performed what seemed to be miracle on Day Two. He had to drive SS5 without any pace notes because his co-driver, Bjorn Degandt, was unwell and lost his voice. The C2’s alternator then broke on SS9, but luckily Weijs was able to change it before SS10. Despite this, he won two stages (SS8 and SS10) and climbed to second, finishing the day a full 50 seconds ahead of third- placed Lemes.
Day Three – After suffering pace note difficulties on SS11, Weijs picked up a small problem with his suspension on SS12. But it was easily fixed at service and he drove home to claim his first 18 J-WRC points of 2010.
24 – EGOI VALDES LOPEZ (ESP, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – After a series of problems on the last round in Portugal, Lopez found the stages difficult but was happy to complete the Day One in Bulgaria. Despite finishing the day in ninth place in the J-WRC, Lopez hoped the first day would mark the start of a weekend without retirement, allowing him to gain more experience on tarmac.
Day Two – A steady drive for Lopez left him pleased to have finished two days in a row without any significant problems and climbing one place to seventh. With his eye on completing the rally unperturbed, Lopez was content with the performance of his Clio on Day Two.
Day Three – The final day went well for Lopez and after the exclusion of fellow countryman Lemes, he climbed to sixth and earned himself eight more J-WRC points.
26 – TODOR SLAVOV (BLG, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – After problems with the brakes on his R3 on SS1, Slavov continued the day untroubled and was disappointed at finishing 1 minute 19 seconds behind leader Arzeno on such familiar stages, the young Bulgarian lying in fifth at the end of Day One on his home rally.
Day Two – Slavov lost nearly three minutes on SS6 when he got a puncture and had to stop and change his tyre only 500m into the stage. A broken calliper at midday service then meant he arrived three minutes late at the next time control. However, a more positive afternoon left him in sixth only 20 seconds behind the pair battling for fourth and over two minutes clear of seventh-placed Lopez.
Day Three – The final spot on the J-WRC podium went to Slavov on his home rally. He climbed three positions, having benefited from the exclusion of Lemes and then fought back strongly over the final four stages (including winning SS12 and SS14), to pass Broccoli and Kruuda by the end of the rally.
27 – ALESSANDRO BROCCOLI (SMR, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – Broccoli struggled throughout Day One with pace note problems and consistently lost time in his Clio R3, finishing the day in seventh place and over three minutes off the lead. He entered Day Two hoping that he and his co-driver Angela Forina would have solved the problem and be able to make up some lost time.
Day Two – The second day was a matter of endurance for Broccoli. His pace notes were still not good, though better than on Day One, and he wasn’t confident on the slippery Bulgarian tarmac. However, his strategy of survival paid off as by the end of the day he had climbed to fourth place. With Kruuda only seven seconds behind him and hungry for his position, the final day presented a new challenge for the San Marinese Clio driver.
Day Three – The exclusion of Lemes left Broccoli with the podium in his sights. However, local driver Slavov proved too quick on Day Three and snatched himself third place. Broccoli was however pleased to finish fourth and claim 12 more J-WRC points, putting him fourth in the J-WRC standings.
28 – HARRY HUNT (GBR, Ford Fiesta R2)
Day One – Hunt lost almost four minutes on SS2 when he and his co-driver had to stop and change a punctured tyre on his Fiesta R2 and, like many others, he lost his brakes at the end of the stage. He was more confident in SS3 and fortunately when SS4 – a repeat of SS2 - was cancelled and the drivers were nominally awarded their
SS2 times, the stewards took into account Hunt’s puncture on the first round of the stage and awarded him a time almost three and a half minutes quicker than SS2. Nonetheless, he finished the day lying in tenth, over ten minutes behind the series leaders and hoping for better luck on Day Two.
Day Two – A cautious drive led to a less eventful second day. He didn’t suffer any significant problems and steered his Fiesta home to safety nearly 20 minutes behind leader Neuville but having moved up one place to ninth.
Day Three – After having successfully completed SS11, Hunt’s driveshaft broke at the beginning of SS12 forcing him to retire from Rally Bulgaria.
29 – THIERRY NEUVILLE (BEL, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Neuville didn’t enjoy SS1, but still clocked the second fastest time. He then racked up stage wins on the subsequent three stages of Day One, (though SS4 was a nominal repeat of SS2 following an accident leading the stage to be prematurely cancelled). This impressive performance came in spite of his losing the brakes on
his C2 Super 1600 in SS2 and having to rely on his handbrake. He finished Day One lying second in the J-WRC, only 1.8 seconds behind leader Arzeno and looking to push for a win after failing to take home any J-WRC points in his first two rounds in Turkey and Portugal.
Day Two – Neuville won both the morning stages, SS5 and SS6, despite having the wrong tyres for the latter. He took the lead in the J-WRC after the opening stage of Day Two and held this position throughout the day, finishing 51.1 seconds ahead of second-placed Weijs.
Day Three – Poor pace notes on SS11 aside, Neuville finished Day Three confidently to win the sprinter standings once again and top the J-WRC podium for the first time, totalling seven stage wins across the event and claiming his first 25 Championship points.
30 – KARL KRUUDA (EST, Suzuki Swift Super 1600)
Day One – Lacking confidence on tarmac, Kruuda was disappointed to spin on SS1. Things went better in SS2 and SS3 but an overcautious drive left him in eighth in his Swift at the end of Day One and over three and a half minutes behind leaders Arzeno and Neuville. After a second place in Portugal making him the youngest ever JWRC
podium finisher, this seventeen year old Estonian hoped to push harder on Day Two as he quickly increased his familiarity with the Bulgarian tarmac.
Day Two – Kruuda climbed to fifth by the end of Day Two, showing the same relentless persistence he had in Portugal. Unphased by the trials of the slippery Bulgarian tarmac, Kruuda’s pace continually improved until he ended the day only seven seconds behind fourth-placed Broccoli.
Day Three – Pleased with fifth place and 10 Championship points, which moved him up to third in the J-WRC standings, Kruuda was disappointed not to catch Broccoli on Day Three, finishing the event only one second
behind his San Marinese rival.
31 – YERAY LEMES (ESP, Renault Clio Super 1600)
Day One – Lemes ended Day One a clear fourth in the J-WRC despite the cooling fan on his Clio S1600 not working and causing his engine to overheat on SS1. The problem continued in the afternoon and on SS3 Lemes hit the tyre blocks in the chicane. This didn’t stop him from setting strong times on only his third WRC event.
Day Two – After breaking his steering rod whilst warming up his tyres en route to SS7, Lemes and his co-driver, Rogelio Peñate, were able to fix it. However, a subsequent stewards’ decision excluded the duo for having undertaken this repair to their Clio in a place where it was not permitted.
32 – MATHIEU ARZENO (FRA, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Arzeno stormed into the lead in his new C2 S1600 on SS1 and held position throughout the first day, despite rival Neuville claiming the next three stage wins. Forced to retire in Portugal, his first J-WRC event, Arzeno came to Bulgaria to gain experience, but used his extensive karting skill to show his potential on tarmac from the start. With a lead of only 1.8 seconds over Neuville at the end of Day One, Arzeno started Day Two
ready to push to keep first position.
Day Two – A troublesome second day meant Arzeno dropped from first to tenth in the J-WRC. He spun and got a rear puncture at the end of SS5, losing 15 seconds and falling into second behind Neuville. Then a front right puncture on his C2 S1600 one kilometre into SS6 which he had to stop and change cost him another four minutes, leaving him in fifth place. However, his day came to a premature end when he went off the road on SS8
and was forced to retire from the day.
Day Three – Arzeno restarted for the final day and once again proved his potential speed by putting in consistently strong times and claiming a stage win on SS11. However, he was already too far out of contention to jockey for position and was left content with eighth and his first four J-WRC points.
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Day One – Disappointed to finish Day One in fifth nearly two minutes behind leader Arzeno, Abbring didn’t suffer any significant problems. He set slower times than he had hoped, but was already improving after just one day of rallying. His times were on average 0.5 seconds per kilometre faster than on his last WRC tarmac rallying in Catalunya in 2009 and by the end of SS3, Abbring had shaved 22 seconds off his SS1 time. On the back of his first J-WRC win in Portugal and with Championship rival Burkart absent in Bulgaria, this is Abbring’s chance to snatch the lead in the J-WRC standings and he entered Day Two more confident and ready to push harder.
Day Two – The back of Abbring’s Clio was sliding a lot on SS6, but he had a good morning nonetheless, climbing to fourth. However, disaster struck in the afternoon when a broken alternator forced him to stop at the start of SS10 and superally, pulling him back to eighth place.
Day Three – Abbring restarted on Day Three, but had lost too much time to rival the series leaders. He did however put in strong times despite struggling with bad pace notes on SS12 and finished in seventh. This gave him six J-WRC points and promoted him to Championship leader.
23 – HANS WEIJS (NLD, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Weijs finished Day One in third place in the J-WRC, under half a minute behind leaders Arzeno and Neuville. A consistently strong performance clocking the third fastest time on each of the day’s four stages was undermined by brake troubles during SS2 and SS3. The same problem plagued Weijs in Portugal, his first round of the 2010 J-WRC, forcing him to retire without earning any Championship points.
Day Two – Weijs performed what seemed to be miracle on Day Two. He had to drive SS5 without any pace notes because his co-driver, Bjorn Degandt, was unwell and lost his voice. The C2’s alternator then broke on SS9, but luckily Weijs was able to change it before SS10. Despite this, he won two stages (SS8 and SS10) and climbed to second, finishing the day a full 50 seconds ahead of third- placed Lemes.
Day Three – After suffering pace note difficulties on SS11, Weijs picked up a small problem with his suspension on SS12. But it was easily fixed at service and he drove home to claim his first 18 J-WRC points of 2010.
24 – EGOI VALDES LOPEZ (ESP, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – After a series of problems on the last round in Portugal, Lopez found the stages difficult but was happy to complete the Day One in Bulgaria. Despite finishing the day in ninth place in the J-WRC, Lopez hoped the first day would mark the start of a weekend without retirement, allowing him to gain more experience on tarmac.
Day Two – A steady drive for Lopez left him pleased to have finished two days in a row without any significant problems and climbing one place to seventh. With his eye on completing the rally unperturbed, Lopez was content with the performance of his Clio on Day Two.
Day Three – The final day went well for Lopez and after the exclusion of fellow countryman Lemes, he climbed to sixth and earned himself eight more J-WRC points.
26 – TODOR SLAVOV (BLG, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – After problems with the brakes on his R3 on SS1, Slavov continued the day untroubled and was disappointed at finishing 1 minute 19 seconds behind leader Arzeno on such familiar stages, the young Bulgarian lying in fifth at the end of Day One on his home rally.
Day Two – Slavov lost nearly three minutes on SS6 when he got a puncture and had to stop and change his tyre only 500m into the stage. A broken calliper at midday service then meant he arrived three minutes late at the next time control. However, a more positive afternoon left him in sixth only 20 seconds behind the pair battling for fourth and over two minutes clear of seventh-placed Lopez.
Day Three – The final spot on the J-WRC podium went to Slavov on his home rally. He climbed three positions, having benefited from the exclusion of Lemes and then fought back strongly over the final four stages (including winning SS12 and SS14), to pass Broccoli and Kruuda by the end of the rally.
27 – ALESSANDRO BROCCOLI (SMR, Renault Clio R3)
Day One – Broccoli struggled throughout Day One with pace note problems and consistently lost time in his Clio R3, finishing the day in seventh place and over three minutes off the lead. He entered Day Two hoping that he and his co-driver Angela Forina would have solved the problem and be able to make up some lost time.
Day Two – The second day was a matter of endurance for Broccoli. His pace notes were still not good, though better than on Day One, and he wasn’t confident on the slippery Bulgarian tarmac. However, his strategy of survival paid off as by the end of the day he had climbed to fourth place. With Kruuda only seven seconds behind him and hungry for his position, the final day presented a new challenge for the San Marinese Clio driver.
Day Three – The exclusion of Lemes left Broccoli with the podium in his sights. However, local driver Slavov proved too quick on Day Three and snatched himself third place. Broccoli was however pleased to finish fourth and claim 12 more J-WRC points, putting him fourth in the J-WRC standings.
28 – HARRY HUNT (GBR, Ford Fiesta R2)
Day One – Hunt lost almost four minutes on SS2 when he and his co-driver had to stop and change a punctured tyre on his Fiesta R2 and, like many others, he lost his brakes at the end of the stage. He was more confident in SS3 and fortunately when SS4 – a repeat of SS2 - was cancelled and the drivers were nominally awarded their
SS2 times, the stewards took into account Hunt’s puncture on the first round of the stage and awarded him a time almost three and a half minutes quicker than SS2. Nonetheless, he finished the day lying in tenth, over ten minutes behind the series leaders and hoping for better luck on Day Two.
Day Two – A cautious drive led to a less eventful second day. He didn’t suffer any significant problems and steered his Fiesta home to safety nearly 20 minutes behind leader Neuville but having moved up one place to ninth.
Day Three – After having successfully completed SS11, Hunt’s driveshaft broke at the beginning of SS12 forcing him to retire from Rally Bulgaria.
29 – THIERRY NEUVILLE (BEL, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Neuville didn’t enjoy SS1, but still clocked the second fastest time. He then racked up stage wins on the subsequent three stages of Day One, (though SS4 was a nominal repeat of SS2 following an accident leading the stage to be prematurely cancelled). This impressive performance came in spite of his losing the brakes on
his C2 Super 1600 in SS2 and having to rely on his handbrake. He finished Day One lying second in the J-WRC, only 1.8 seconds behind leader Arzeno and looking to push for a win after failing to take home any J-WRC points in his first two rounds in Turkey and Portugal.
Day Two – Neuville won both the morning stages, SS5 and SS6, despite having the wrong tyres for the latter. He took the lead in the J-WRC after the opening stage of Day Two and held this position throughout the day, finishing 51.1 seconds ahead of second-placed Weijs.
Day Three – Poor pace notes on SS11 aside, Neuville finished Day Three confidently to win the sprinter standings once again and top the J-WRC podium for the first time, totalling seven stage wins across the event and claiming his first 25 Championship points.
30 – KARL KRUUDA (EST, Suzuki Swift Super 1600)
Day One – Lacking confidence on tarmac, Kruuda was disappointed to spin on SS1. Things went better in SS2 and SS3 but an overcautious drive left him in eighth in his Swift at the end of Day One and over three and a half minutes behind leaders Arzeno and Neuville. After a second place in Portugal making him the youngest ever JWRC
podium finisher, this seventeen year old Estonian hoped to push harder on Day Two as he quickly increased his familiarity with the Bulgarian tarmac.
Day Two – Kruuda climbed to fifth by the end of Day Two, showing the same relentless persistence he had in Portugal. Unphased by the trials of the slippery Bulgarian tarmac, Kruuda’s pace continually improved until he ended the day only seven seconds behind fourth-placed Broccoli.
Day Three – Pleased with fifth place and 10 Championship points, which moved him up to third in the J-WRC standings, Kruuda was disappointed not to catch Broccoli on Day Three, finishing the event only one second
behind his San Marinese rival.
31 – YERAY LEMES (ESP, Renault Clio Super 1600)
Day One – Lemes ended Day One a clear fourth in the J-WRC despite the cooling fan on his Clio S1600 not working and causing his engine to overheat on SS1. The problem continued in the afternoon and on SS3 Lemes hit the tyre blocks in the chicane. This didn’t stop him from setting strong times on only his third WRC event.
Day Two – After breaking his steering rod whilst warming up his tyres en route to SS7, Lemes and his co-driver, Rogelio Peñate, were able to fix it. However, a subsequent stewards’ decision excluded the duo for having undertaken this repair to their Clio in a place where it was not permitted.
32 – MATHIEU ARZENO (FRA, Citroën C2 Super 1600)
Day One – Arzeno stormed into the lead in his new C2 S1600 on SS1 and held position throughout the first day, despite rival Neuville claiming the next three stage wins. Forced to retire in Portugal, his first J-WRC event, Arzeno came to Bulgaria to gain experience, but used his extensive karting skill to show his potential on tarmac from the start. With a lead of only 1.8 seconds over Neuville at the end of Day One, Arzeno started Day Two
ready to push to keep first position.
Day Two – A troublesome second day meant Arzeno dropped from first to tenth in the J-WRC. He spun and got a rear puncture at the end of SS5, losing 15 seconds and falling into second behind Neuville. Then a front right puncture on his C2 S1600 one kilometre into SS6 which he had to stop and change cost him another four minutes, leaving him in fifth place. However, his day came to a premature end when he went off the road on SS8
and was forced to retire from the day.
Day Three – Arzeno restarted for the final day and once again proved his potential speed by putting in consistently strong times and claiming a stage win on SS11. However, he was already too far out of contention to jockey for position and was left content with eighth and his first four J-WRC points.
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WRC-News: Citroen Sport nach der Rallye Bulgarien von Admin
The Citroën Total WRT scores its first double of the 2010 season
The Citroën Total WRT scores its first double of the 2010 season
Dienstag - Juli - 13.07.2010 - 12:08:14 Uhr
Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena laid the foundations of their victory during the first two days of the rally. At the end of the final stages of Rally Bulgaria they racked up their 58th world championship win. Despite being under constant pressure from Petter Solberg, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti held on to their second place giving the Citroën Total World Rally Team its first double of the 2010 season. Thanks to Petter Solberg and Sébastien Ogier, Citroën scored the first one-two-three-four in its history in the FIA World Rally Championship.
After a couple of fairly long days, the final leg of Rally Bulgaria was much shorter with two stages to be covered twice. The sun shining on the Bulgarian mountains left no doubt as to the choice of tyres – hard Pirelli P-Zeros for everybody!
Sébastien Loeb had a 40-second lead over Dani Sordo when he left the parc fermé so he could afford just to hold on to his position on the final day. The six-time world champion lost a handful of seconds in the first two stages: “It’s an ideal situation but I don’t really feel very comfortable when I have to ensure my place. You can always puncture or make a mistake. I’ll try to stay concentrated and enjoy the stages.
My C4 is quite simply perfect and it’s sheer magic to drive in these conditions.”
For Sordo, on the other hand, the third day looked a lot more fraught. The Spaniard had only a 4.7s lead over Petter Solberg, and he had no choice but to push to keep his position. In Muhovo 1 (SS14), the Norwegian pulled back 9/10s but Dani hit back in Slavovitsa 1 (SS15). He took 2.7s off his rival and arrived in the Dolna Banya service park with 6.5s in hand: “I’m going to have to keep on pushing as I know that Petter will give nothing away. He drove very well in the first loop, but I wasn’t too slow either!”
The Sordo / Solberg duel continued in the next two stages. Dani fended off all his rival’s attacks and kept his second place: “I’ve achieved my aim in this rally. Seb made a decisive break in the opening stages and once again he was the quickest this weekend. My role was to bag as many points as possible
for Citroën for the Manufacturers’ World Championship title, and I also wanted to win my duel with Petter. My second podium on the trot has boosted my confidence for the rest of the season.”
Loeb kept up the same pace to score his 58th WRC victory increasing his lead in the Drivers’ World Championship to 49 points: “It’s all gone off like a dream, really. We began with a good first day and we consolidated our position on the next one. Today was a bit more relaxed! I like the first Rally Bulgaria! It’s got good stages that highlight the qualities of the drivers and the cars. Bravo to Dani who drove a great
race.”
Thanks to the third and fourth places of Petter Solberg and Sébastien Ogier, Citroën scored the first onetwo-three-four in its history in the FIA World Rally Championship. “This overall result is the best proof of the qualities of our C4 WRCs, whether they’re works cars or entrusted to privateers. Seb’s and Dani’s double has helped Citroën to open up a big lead in the Manufacturers’ World Championship, so the principal aim’s been achieved,” underlined Olivier Quesnel, the Citroën Racing Team Principal.
Ogier and Räikkönen show their class
The eagerly awaited first asphalt round of the World Rally Championship allowed the two Citroën Junior Team crews to show their potential. At the end of the Rally Bulgaria, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia formed part of a historic one-two-three-four formation finish for Citroën, while Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström set some top stage times.
While Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia’s objective was to maintain their fourth place overall today, Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström still needed to push to claim 10th place and the one World Championship drivers’ point that came with it. As the result of a 10-minute penalty after going off the road at the end of the opening day, Kimi and Kaj started the day in 14th place: 2m46.5s off the 10th place that was held by Henning Solberg.
On the first stage, the Finns got back more than 40 seconds, followed by another 35 seconds on the following stage. This was enough to place them 11th. “We’re pushing hard again today,” said Kimi. “Everything went well although I had a slightly strange feeling on the second stage. The team is going to change the front anti-roll bar at service.”
Meanwhile, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia held onto their overall position. “After losing a minute on the first day, we can’t fight with Dani Sordo and Petter Solberg anymore,” explained Sébastien. “That’s a pity, but it also allows us to concentrate on understanding our Citroën C4 WRC in asphalt specification. We’re trying out some settings that maybe we wouldn’t have risked if we were in the middle
of a tight battle and that’s very good for our learning process.”
On the final loop of stages, Kimi continued reducing the gap to the top 10 by taking more than 45 seconds from Henning Solberg in Muhovo 2. But the Finn made a small mistake on the final stage and had to settle for 11th overall in the end. “At least we tried!” he said at the finish. “Our feeling with the car was very good throughout the rally and that’s extremely positive for what is only our first asphalt event. We keep on learning and I have the feeling that we’re making progress now.”
Sébastien Ogier eventually finished fourth behind three more Citroën C4 WRCs, having set fastest time on the final stage. The Frenchman was able to draw an extremely positive conclusion from the first asphalt rally of the season. “It’s a great result for the championship,” he said. “We’ve shown as of now that we’re able to fight for a podium on asphalt, which is extremely promising for the rest of the season.
Now we’re going to concentrate on the forthcoming Rally Finland, which we’ll be contesting for the first time with the Citroën Total World Rally Team. ”
Team manager Benoit Nogier concluded: “It’s been another good day for the Citroën Junior Team and yet another rally without any technical problems for us. That’s a great tribute to the whole team, which has once more prepared the two Citroën C4 WRCs perfectly. The team’s performance on Friday night, which allowed Kimi to restart the rally on Saturday, was equally remarkable. Citroën has again shown
that asphalt is a very strong surface for the brand, while our two drivers have displayed some fascinating potential for the future.”
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After a couple of fairly long days, the final leg of Rally Bulgaria was much shorter with two stages to be covered twice. The sun shining on the Bulgarian mountains left no doubt as to the choice of tyres – hard Pirelli P-Zeros for everybody!
Sébastien Loeb had a 40-second lead over Dani Sordo when he left the parc fermé so he could afford just to hold on to his position on the final day. The six-time world champion lost a handful of seconds in the first two stages: “It’s an ideal situation but I don’t really feel very comfortable when I have to ensure my place. You can always puncture or make a mistake. I’ll try to stay concentrated and enjoy the stages.
My C4 is quite simply perfect and it’s sheer magic to drive in these conditions.”
For Sordo, on the other hand, the third day looked a lot more fraught. The Spaniard had only a 4.7s lead over Petter Solberg, and he had no choice but to push to keep his position. In Muhovo 1 (SS14), the Norwegian pulled back 9/10s but Dani hit back in Slavovitsa 1 (SS15). He took 2.7s off his rival and arrived in the Dolna Banya service park with 6.5s in hand: “I’m going to have to keep on pushing as I know that Petter will give nothing away. He drove very well in the first loop, but I wasn’t too slow either!”
The Sordo / Solberg duel continued in the next two stages. Dani fended off all his rival’s attacks and kept his second place: “I’ve achieved my aim in this rally. Seb made a decisive break in the opening stages and once again he was the quickest this weekend. My role was to bag as many points as possible
for Citroën for the Manufacturers’ World Championship title, and I also wanted to win my duel with Petter. My second podium on the trot has boosted my confidence for the rest of the season.”
Loeb kept up the same pace to score his 58th WRC victory increasing his lead in the Drivers’ World Championship to 49 points: “It’s all gone off like a dream, really. We began with a good first day and we consolidated our position on the next one. Today was a bit more relaxed! I like the first Rally Bulgaria! It’s got good stages that highlight the qualities of the drivers and the cars. Bravo to Dani who drove a great
race.”
Thanks to the third and fourth places of Petter Solberg and Sébastien Ogier, Citroën scored the first onetwo-three-four in its history in the FIA World Rally Championship. “This overall result is the best proof of the qualities of our C4 WRCs, whether they’re works cars or entrusted to privateers. Seb’s and Dani’s double has helped Citroën to open up a big lead in the Manufacturers’ World Championship, so the principal aim’s been achieved,” underlined Olivier Quesnel, the Citroën Racing Team Principal.
Ogier and Räikkönen show their class
The eagerly awaited first asphalt round of the World Rally Championship allowed the two Citroën Junior Team crews to show their potential. At the end of the Rally Bulgaria, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia formed part of a historic one-two-three-four formation finish for Citroën, while Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström set some top stage times.
While Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia’s objective was to maintain their fourth place overall today, Kimi Räikkönen and Kaj Lindström still needed to push to claim 10th place and the one World Championship drivers’ point that came with it. As the result of a 10-minute penalty after going off the road at the end of the opening day, Kimi and Kaj started the day in 14th place: 2m46.5s off the 10th place that was held by Henning Solberg.
On the first stage, the Finns got back more than 40 seconds, followed by another 35 seconds on the following stage. This was enough to place them 11th. “We’re pushing hard again today,” said Kimi. “Everything went well although I had a slightly strange feeling on the second stage. The team is going to change the front anti-roll bar at service.”
Meanwhile, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia held onto their overall position. “After losing a minute on the first day, we can’t fight with Dani Sordo and Petter Solberg anymore,” explained Sébastien. “That’s a pity, but it also allows us to concentrate on understanding our Citroën C4 WRC in asphalt specification. We’re trying out some settings that maybe we wouldn’t have risked if we were in the middle
of a tight battle and that’s very good for our learning process.”
On the final loop of stages, Kimi continued reducing the gap to the top 10 by taking more than 45 seconds from Henning Solberg in Muhovo 2. But the Finn made a small mistake on the final stage and had to settle for 11th overall in the end. “At least we tried!” he said at the finish. “Our feeling with the car was very good throughout the rally and that’s extremely positive for what is only our first asphalt event. We keep on learning and I have the feeling that we’re making progress now.”
Sébastien Ogier eventually finished fourth behind three more Citroën C4 WRCs, having set fastest time on the final stage. The Frenchman was able to draw an extremely positive conclusion from the first asphalt rally of the season. “It’s a great result for the championship,” he said. “We’ve shown as of now that we’re able to fight for a podium on asphalt, which is extremely promising for the rest of the season.
Now we’re going to concentrate on the forthcoming Rally Finland, which we’ll be contesting for the first time with the Citroën Total World Rally Team. ”
Team manager Benoit Nogier concluded: “It’s been another good day for the Citroën Junior Team and yet another rally without any technical problems for us. That’s a great tribute to the whole team, which has once more prepared the two Citroën C4 WRCs perfectly. The team’s performance on Friday night, which allowed Kimi to restart the rally on Saturday, was equally remarkable. Citroën has again shown
that asphalt is a very strong surface for the brand, while our two drivers have displayed some fascinating potential for the future.”
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