Citroen steps up WRC charge with summer tests

The Citroen World Rally Team might be dominating the FIA World Rally Championship for drivers and manufacturers but that doesn’t mean it’s been taking things easy during the summer break.

Instead the French squad will have completed a Tarmac test in Germany and a gravel test in Finland by the time Neste Oil Rally Finland hosts round eight of the 13-event series from 2-4 August.

Citroen’s Tarmac test took place in Germany last week where factory drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Sebastien Loeb were both in action. The team headed to the Wintrich area from 5-6 July where its drivers sampled a DS3 WRC test car for a day at a time. Citroen then moved to the Baumholder military ranges on 7 July with both pilots running for half a day each.

“The aim was to find a set-up adapted to the new Michelin tyres,” said Loeb. “I’m really happy with the car. Sensations are perfect and we have made very good work.”

Hirvonen added: “First of all I wanted to learn the DS3 WRC on asphalt. Monte Carlo was my first test on this surface but it was not really the same conditions. The car went really well and is really easy to drive. I had quickly a very good feeling and I can’t wait to start the race to see my position front of the other drivers.”

Ford, Citroen’s key rival for world championship glory, won’t be standing still either. The Blue Oval will test in Finland from 24-27 July and then run in Germany from 15-17 August