Citroën confirms Lopez and Muller for 2016, Loeb leaves the team

In 2016, the Citroën Total team will defend its FIA WTCC world titles with two works Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs, driven by José María López and Yvan Muller.

Begun in 2014, the FIA WTCC programme will conclude at the end of a third season. The category leader since its arrival of the circuits of the WTCC, the Citroën Total team will be aiming to successfully defend its Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ titles. Two Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs will be entrusted to two drivers who have claimed six of the category’s last eight world titles: the Argentinian José María López and the Frenchman Yvan Muller.

“Still determined to make the most of our resources, we will de defending our titles with a team of two works cars,” continued Yves Matton. “With the arrival of a new, ambitious manufacturer, we are expecting the competition to be even tougher next year. Pechito and Yvan are used to working together and making the success of the team their number one priority. Next year, they will need to be even more together to enable Citroën to conclude its programme successfully. Other Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs may be entered by the Sébastien Loeb Racing team for private drivers.”

“The last two years have undoubtedly been the greatest of my career. I am therefore delighted to be able to continue competing with Citroën Racing in 2016,” commented Pechito López. “We are going to keep working, all together, so that the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC remains the category’s leading car. And our goal is to defend our titles!”

“I’m proud to have taken part in building what is currently the best team in the FIA WTCC. I’m also honoured to be have been chosen to continue competing on behalf of Citroën,” added Yvan Muller. “We have to adjust to the new shape of the team, but we can count on the talent and experience of the team to maintain the same level of excellence.”

THE START OF A NEW ADVENTURE FOR SÉBASTIEN LOEB

Nine-time World Rally Champion with Citroën, Sébastien Loeb is also one of the most versatile drivers ever seen in the history of motor sport. 24 Hours of Le Mans, F1, GT, Pikes Peak and, of course, the WTCC all feature among the experiences of this prodigiously talented racing driver. For his next challenge, Sébastien Loeb has chosen to take on the Dakar Rally, alongside his long-time co-driver Daniel Elena and as part of the Peugeot Sport team. PSA Peugeot Citroën’s iconic ambassador, the Frenchman is switching from red to blue but with the change comes a new chapter that is about to begin.

“This marks the end of one chapter for me, but what I want to focus on today is my satisfaction at having participated in Citroën’s success in the WRC and WTCC,” stated Sébastien Loeb. “Apart from the figures and the records, we have shared some magnificent experiences together. It’s hard to believe that most of the members of this amazing team were already here fifteen years ago! I’ll miss their hunger for success and limitless motivation, but I won’t be far away… I’m staying within the PSA Peugeot Citroën group to take on a new challenge.”

“In the last fifteen years, Sébastien Loeb and Citroën have made history together. It has been an absolutely incredible period that will leaving a lasting mark in the world of motor sport. We would like to thank him for all these wins, titles and records, which have helped to renew the Brand and boost its international reputation,” emphasized Linda Jackson. “Sébastien is now about to embark on a new adventure with another brand in the group. We wish them lots of success together, starting with next year’s Dakar Rally.”