Meeke: “A real rally machine”

Citroën Racing completed the first laps of its C3 WRC which will be entered in the World Rally Championship in 2017. This car benefits from the new regulations offering WRC cars a greater range of performance with better aero, more power (1,6 l turbo engine, flange increased to 36 mm ), weight reduction (- 25 kg)…

After having carried out two debugging sessions on Saturday April 9 in Versailles (Yvelines) with Alexandre Bengué at the wheel and on Monday 11 with Kris Meeke, the Reds went to the test track located near the Château de Lastours and Fontjoncouse in the south of France. Wick and Craig Breen were put to use.

“For two years and my arrival in the fold of Citroën Racing, the priority was on the WTCC and the development of the WRC was quite limited. There, I feel great energy, with engineers returning to rally with the experience acquired on the circuit », commented the Briton.

“From the first laps of the wheels, I felt that I was at the wheel of a real, well-made rally machine. I have been involved in the development of several cars; Generally, we spend more time waiting than riding during the first test sessions. There, I was able to accumulate the kilometers and start exploring the settings. Like in a dream ! », added Kris Meeke.

Yves Matton, director of Citroën Racing, is also enthusiastic about the development of the C3 WRC which will mark the manufacturer's return to the Chevrons in the WRC after a year of absence.

“The design deadlines were tight. With their know-how and experience, the team did a fantastic job designing a car based on new regulations. By seeing our World Rally Car running on the date initially planned and completing a series of runs without encountering any major problems, we can confidently validate the next deadlines,” explained the Belgian.

“All the factors we wanted to improve, whether it be noise, the impression of speed or aggressiveness, are already there, even though it was only the first kilometers of the car! I believe rally fans will appreciate the new generation of WRC”, enthused Yves Matton.