Citroën confirms Meeke will start in Poland

Citroën Racing say Kris Meeke will start 72nd LOTOS Rally Poland on schedule after the FIA gave permission to repair his battered DS 3.

Meeke rolled his car seven times at Thursday’s Shakedown test, and feared the damage might be too serious to allow him to compete.

But the team was given the green light to begin work after an inspection by FIA Technical Delegate Jérôme Touquet confirmed the roll cage was undamaged.

"With the FIA checks complete we are able to make repairs to make it like new again. It will be completely ready for Stage one this afternoon," Didier Clément, Citroen Racing chief operations engineer, told wrc.com.

"Considering the number of rolls it’s impressive the car is not more badly damaged," he added. "In fact there’s not so much to change. The roll cage and chassis are definitely okay, but we will change the rear wing, the doors, the front bumper and wing, bonnet - things like that. At the front we will change the radiators and make a thorough check of everything."

The team has until 2024hrs to re-prep the car, before Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle are due to leave for the Mikolajki Arena Super Special Stage. The pair will cross this afternoon’s ceremonial start ramp on foot to give their mechanics more time.

"I estimate we need several hours to get the car straight - so I’m feeling quite confident," added Clément.