Loeb and Ogier to be allowed to fight in Portugal

Citroen Total World Rally Team head Olivier Quesnel is convinced that allowing drivers Sebastien Loeb and Sebastien Ogier to fight it out for victory on Vodafone Rally de Portugal will boost its chances of winning the manufacturers’ crown for a fourth consecutive season.

The French make was on course for a one-two finish on Rally Guanajuato Mexico earlier this month only for Ogier to crash out of the lead of the event on the final morning while dicing with Loeb for top spot.

Ogier’s early exit resulted in Citroen’s rival Ford being able to extend its advantage in the manufacturers’ title race, meaning that a strong haul of points will be vital for Citroen when the WRC counter finishes in the Algarve on Sunday afternoon.

“We knew we’d be faced with this situation but we didn’t think it would arise so quickly,” said Quesnel of the intra-team squabble. “In Mexico, their rivalry didn’t lead to a totally positive outcome for Citroen. I’m convinced, however, that it will help the team score great results in the coming rallies.”

Quesnel said he had no problem managing the Loeb versus Ogier battle, adding that it was simply part of his job. “I have to make sure that the interests of the make are privileged above all else,” he said. “We have to stick together and keep working to give our two crews the best possible chances to score victories.”

He continued: “Rivalry between two drivers of this calibre is inevitable. Sebastien Ogier is a very ambitious guy, but up against him is Sebastien Loeb who’s at the top of his form after winning seven world titles on the trot. Seb Loeb is absolutely determined to prove that he’s still the best driver in the world but our drivers know what’s at stake; they have to help Citroen score another manufacturers’ world championship title. If they achieve this aim, then it’s obvious that one or the other - or both - will be in a position to bag the drivers’ title. In Portugal, they must score a big haul of points.”