Fréquelin finds Citroën’s departure “really sad”

You who fought for Citroën to integrate the WRC, what inspires you this withdrawal announcement ?

I find that really sad. I think especially of the team. What will become of the guys? I imagine the questions they must be asking themselves. There are some that I myself recruited in 1989 when I created Citroën Sport. I remember welcoming Patrice Davesne (head of the engine department. Ed.) into my office when he had just graduated! Jean-Paul Chiaroni who raced in the French championship (with Philippe Bugalski. Editor’s note) is still in the team today, Daniel Grataloup also…

You too, when you were director of this entity, did you have to endure periods of doubt?

On two occasions, Jean-Martin Folz, then boss of PSA, told us that the WRC was stopping, but each time I was able to find arguments or solutions for this to continue. However, it is obvious that at a given moment, if the means are no longer sufficient, it is better to have the wisdom to say stop. I don't know the reasons for the lack of results, I can only deplore it just as I can only regret this stoppage. For a manufacturer, motorsport is a source of expenses. If the results allow profits in terms of marketing or impact greater than what you spend, you are never bothered. If, on the other hand, this is reversed...

Don't you still have the feeling that Citroën has been searching for itself a little since 2012 and the departure of Sébastien? Loeb ?

The team had actually been looking for each other for a while. In my opinion, the cohabitation of the two Sébastiens was poorly managed. We should never have let go Ogier. Even if Loeb didn't want to do all the rallies, I think it's a shame to have deprived himself of his talents as a development engineer and his ability to still go very fast today.

Citroën explains that it is Sébastien Ogier's decision and the absence of a top driver on the market which led to their departure. Is this a valid reason?

This is unfortunately the observation that we can make. Today, if you don't have one of the three (Thank you, Ogier and Neuville. Editor’s note) in your team, you are not good! For me, the bad excuse is having let Sébastien Ogier go. We have no right to let a guy like that go! Maybe he needed to be reassured more during the season about what they were going to do. To retain a pilot, it’s like with general management, it requires communication and persuasion.