Citroën: “No rivalry to manage”

Citroën Racing is presented with several challenges this season and hopes to meet them all. After winning everything with the C4 WRC, the Reds want to continue their momentum with the DS3 WRC and continue to shine: “The team has set itself a goal that is as simple as it is ambitious: retain the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ world titles! », enthuses Olivier Quesnel, director of Citroën Racing.

Beyond the operation of a new car, it will also be necessary to manage the rivalry between Sébastien Loeb et Sébastien Ogier. If Dani Sordo was a teammate appearing behind the World Champion in recent years, the rise in power of Seb Ogier suggests that the young Frenchman wants to follow in the footsteps of his elder.

“I’m not the type to put pressure on myself: there is no rivalry to manage at the moment. What I can tell you is that we all belong to the same family. The title ‘Drivers’ may be more rewarding and more publicized, but the title ‘Constructors’ retains considerable importance for the brand. Our two drivers are intelligent guys and aware of the challenges for Citroën,” explains Olivier Quesnel.

For his part, Sébastien Ogier will have to face a major challenge by competing against Sébastien Loeb, seven-time World Champion. “We will start on an equal footing in terms of equipment,” he confides, which is confirmed by Olivier Quesnel: “As was always the case in the past, Citroën will provide them with strictly identical equipment. If one shows better times than the other, it’s just that it will be faster! »

Sébastien Loeb is therefore the man to beat but the latter is not worried. “It’s normal that Ogier wants to beat me. But there is no No. 1 driver,” he insists, before reminding that the young Frenchman will not be his only rival with the same equipment. But the Alsatian believes that this increased competition will only help him. “Beating Sébastien Ogier and Petter Solberg won't be easy! But this only strengthens my motivation. »