Three questions to Olivier Quesnel

One of the DS3 WRCs finished on the topmost step of the rostrum and the other retired on the last day. Would you describe the result of Rally Mexico as a half-full or half-empty glass?

“What will be remembered above all are the DS3 WRC’s first victory and Loeb and Elena’s sixty-third success. In addition, this event confirmed in the best way possible just how competitive the DS3 WRC
is; it’s a point that should not be underestimated. Obviously, we’d have preferred to score a ‘one-two’, but rallying isn’t an exact science! As was the case on several occasions in 2010, Citroën made the
sportsmanlike choice. Sébastien Ogier, who does not have no. 2 status in the team, made a mistake. It was a blow to the team, but a much bigger one for him. It doesn’t help his chances in the Drivers’
World Championship chase. It’ll give him a good starting position in the next few rallies, although that won’t make his fight back any easier. It’s not the first time that one of the Citroëns has retired in
Mexico, and that hasn’t prevented us from winning the world title six times.”

How are you going to handle this rivalry in the future?

“Rivalry between two drivers of this caliber is inevitable. Sébastien Ogier is a very ambitious guy,
but up against him is Sébastien 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.
We knew we’d be faced with this situation but we didn’t think it would arise so quickly. In Mexico,
their rivalry didn’t lead to a totally positive outcome for Citroën. I’m convinced, however, that it will
help the team score great results in the coming rallies. Handling this situation is part of my job as
Team Principal. I have to make sure that the interests of the make are privileged above all else. We
have to stick together and keep working to give our two crews the best possible chances to score
victories.”

In these conditions, what’s Citroën’s aim in Portugal?

“It’s no different from the previous or the next rally: we start the event with the intention of
winning. Our drivers know what’s at stake; they have to help Citroën 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. To
do so, they have to start the rally with the intention of winning!”