WRC title race wide open, says Sordo

Dani Sordo says Sebastien Loeb’s decision to go part time next year will make the battle for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship wide open.

Spaniard Sordo is back in a factory Citroen after two years away competing in Prodrive-run MINIs. His agreement is for a minimum of 11 rounds when he hopes to finally end his winless streak in the WRC, a task he believes will be made easier in light of nine-time world champion Loeb’s four-event schedule.

“It’s incredible for me after many years with Citroen and two seasons with another team to be back,” said Sordo. “I’m also really motivated because Loeb will not be doing all the rallies so the championship will be more open for everybody.”

Sordo, who will be co-driven by Carlos del Barrio next season, has already tested for Citroen since his return to the squad last month and described his time behind the wheel of the DS3 WRC as having gone “very well”.

Of his target for 2013, Sordo added: “I’m ready to help Citroen win more titles. My personal goal will be to win my first rally in the WRC and my target is to try to be as high as possible in the championship.”