WRC – Citroën: Result “in line with objectives”

Mikko Hirvonen was unable to catch up on Sébastien Ogier, but the Citroën driver still took his first podium of the season at Rally from Mexico who comes to erase his disappointment in Sweden. “I didn't push hard in Guanajuatito because I wanted to preserve my tires for the Power Stage”, commented the Finn. “But I was too careful in the first portion, very fast with many compressions, and I couldn't get into the top 3. Anyway, I'm happy to get on the podium for the first time this season, it's a solid result which rewards my consistency. However, this does not take away from the fact that we have a lot of work ahead of us. »

If Sébastien Ogier widens the hole at the top of the Drivers' Championship with 44 points ahead of Mikko Hirvonen, Citroën achieves a better collective result thanks to Dani Sordo's fourth place and the retirement of Jari-Matti Latvala and retains the lead in the standings Manufacturers six units ahead. “This rally is a good operation for the Manufacturers’ World Championship, as we increase our lead by four points”, confirms Yves Matton, Director of Citroën Racing. “It wasn't easy though, especially for Dani who struggled to exploit the car's potential. We worked all weekend and I think these efforts will pay off in Portugal. Mikko was satisfied with his DS3 WRC and he was able to fight at the forefront. We placed both our cars in the points, it is in line with the objectives that we had set ourselves and which we will seek to achieve throughout the season. »

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Mexico carried out by our special correspondents in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, available from Tuesday in digital version for iPad, PC and Mac, and from Wednesday on newsstands.