Matton: “There is no question of reconsidering our choices”

Why didn't you review your position regarding your pilots when Ogier found himself free from contract?

... We have always defended the promotion of young drivers. There was no question of going back on our policy regarding pilots and calling into question the agreements made with them. It is therefore mainly due to the timing that no change was possible.

Isn't Sébastien Ogier the best current driver, who was originally trained by Citroën?

Yes. And we can be proud to note that the three drivers who should fight for the world title were trained by Citroën. And this is further proof that we are capable of training or finding others. That said, just because we won't be working with Ogier in 2017 doesn't mean it won't be the case later...

Is the objective to ultimately make a choice between the two youngest drivers in your squad, Stéphane Lefebvre and Craig Breen ?

Stéphane and Craig each have a two-year contract. The objective remains to have them both racing in 2018. And perhaps even afterwards if they are both capable of achieving victory on a regular basis...

Discover the full interview with Yves Matton in the Belgium supplement of AUTO issue 2097hebdo and its 2017 Season Guide WRC, available now in digital version on all platforms.