Paul Jeffrey
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Disappointing news for the FIA World Rally Championship as multiple champions Citroen withdraw from the series with immediate effect.
Citing the defection of lead driver and six-time World Champion Sebastien Ogier as the reason behind their exit from the series, Citroen have today confirmed that the French squad will withdraw works participation from the category with immediate effect, leaving just Toyota and Hyundai as the remaining manufacturer presence in the series.
The departure of Citroen has been on the cards for a number of weeks already, considering parent group PSA are embarking on an ambitious WEC project with the Pegueot brand from 2021, and their continual participation in Formula E under the DS Techeetah squad. Nevertheless, the lack of a works presence for the Citroen C3 WRC in 2020 is another blow for the series - despite the marque confirming they will continue supporting a customer programme beyond this season.
Having enjoyed considerable success in recent years, the 2019 WRC was one of disappointment for the brand, with only third in the manufacturers championship falling well below expectations prior to the season start at the beginning of the year.
Performance aside, Citroen have surprisingly claimed the exit of six-time champion Sebastien Ogier as the cause for its withdrawal, with the Frenchman expected to confirm his place at Toyota in the coming days;
With Citroen gone for next year, few places in the series remain for current driver Esapekka Lappi, the 28-year-old Finnish star finding himself currently without a drive so late in the year.
Seven times podium finisher and winner of the 2017 Rally Finland, Lappi is one of the more spectacular drivers in current competition, and the sport would be poorer without the Finn in the field next season.
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World Rally is AWESOME!
Citing the defection of lead driver and six-time World Champion Sebastien Ogier as the reason behind their exit from the series, Citroen have today confirmed that the French squad will withdraw works participation from the category with immediate effect, leaving just Toyota and Hyundai as the remaining manufacturer presence in the series.
The departure of Citroen has been on the cards for a number of weeks already, considering parent group PSA are embarking on an ambitious WEC project with the Pegueot brand from 2021, and their continual participation in Formula E under the DS Techeetah squad. Nevertheless, the lack of a works presence for the Citroen C3 WRC in 2020 is another blow for the series - despite the marque confirming they will continue supporting a customer programme beyond this season.
"Building on the experience and the competencies of PSA Motorsport teams, Citroën customer competition activity will be reinforced in 2020, with a support and an amplified commitment towards C3 R5 customers throughout the world" said Citroen CEO Linda Jackson
"This decision enables Citroën to reinforce the focus of its marketing means on its brand strategy, to address the current stakes regarding energy transition with the launch of a new generation of electrified models from 2020."
Having enjoyed considerable success in recent years, the 2019 WRC was one of disappointment for the brand, with only third in the manufacturers championship falling well below expectations prior to the season start at the beginning of the year.
Performance aside, Citroen have surprisingly claimed the exit of six-time champion Sebastien Ogier as the cause for its withdrawal, with the Frenchman expected to confirm his place at Toyota in the coming days;
"Our decision to withdraw from WRC programme as early as end of 2019 follows on Sébastien Ogier’s choice to leave Citroën Racing. We obviously have not wished this situation but we could not imagine 2020 season without Sébastien" added Jackson.
"I would like to thank Citroën Racing team for their passion and commitment. A part of Citroën’s DNA is intimately linked with the rally and we are proud to be one the most titled brands in WRC History with 102 victories and 8 manufacturer titles."
With Citroen gone for next year, few places in the series remain for current driver Esapekka Lappi, the 28-year-old Finnish star finding himself currently without a drive so late in the year.
Seven times podium finisher and winner of the 2017 Rally Finland, Lappi is one of the more spectacular drivers in current competition, and the sport would be poorer without the Finn in the field next season.
Want to know more about the world of Rally? Start a thread in the Motorsport sub forum and let the community share their knowledge!
World Rally is AWESOME!
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