The Citroën C3 R5 takes its first tests

Citroën Racing took a year to create the new C3 R5. The younger sister version WRC was produced in accordance with the R5 regulation using a 1.6l turbo direct injection engine developing around 280hp.

“An important step has been taken this week with the first development tests of a car already close to the final product”, explains Yves Matton, Director of Citroën Racing.

“The specifications provided to the technical teams are clear: we want the Citroën C3 R5 to become the benchmark in the category, both in terms of performance, reliability and control of operating costs”, continues Yves Matton.

“To create a 100% new product, we used all of Citroën Racing's experience in the WRC, adding the contribution of leading technical suppliers, such as Sadev for the transmission or Reiger for the suspensions. Our official drivers will also be involved during development: Stéphane Lefebvre and Craig Breen are at the wheel from this first session, as well as Yoann Bonato, the current leader of the French Championship”, specifies the Belgian.

Citroën Racing is carrying out its first tests on gravel in a version of the C3 R5 which will be close to the final version.

“There is a direct link between the C3 R5 and the C3 WRC: thus, the roll cage of the two cars was designed by the same engineer. Certain solutions have been renewed, adapting them to regulatory constraints and small series production”, specifies Pierre Budar, director of development of customer competition vehicles for Citroën Racing.

“The engine was developed in-house, from the basis of the series offering the best potential for performance and reliability. We also sought to collaborate with the best suppliers. The whole must form a homogeneous product, capable of meeting the ambitions of customers who choose the Citroën C3 R5", adds Pierre Budar.

Citroën Racing confirms that the approval of its C3 R5 will be carried out in 2018. The new Chevron mount will notably be able to compete with the Skoda Fabia and the Ford Fiesta in various championships such as the WRC 2 or theERC.