Kris Meeke has been confirmed as a Citroen driver for 2015 in the World Rally Championship in a year that he helped secure second place in the Manufacturers Championship for the French marque.
Meeke’s history with Citroen can be traced back to 2007 when he took third place in the Junior WRC and then won the 2009 IRC title. For 2013 he made the move in to the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.
“When we chose Kris Meeke for this season, we took a bit of a gamble,” said Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal. “But he has improved with pretty much every race and has now become a complete driver. The real turning point was at Rally Finland.
“He adopted the right approach. He has managed to acquire experience throughout the season. He has shown that he not only has real pace, but that he can be more patient sometimes as well.
“Kris is a competitive driver on all surfaces, capable of being quick on tarmac and on gravel. This versatility is a real asset for Citroën Racing. The name of the second works driver for 2015 will be announced shortly, once we have finalised the various discussions that are still ongoing.”
2014 has been somewhat of a breakout year for the Northern Irish driver, securing podium finishes at Monte-Carlo, Argentina, Finland and France, Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle also led stages in Germany and Australia
For 2015 Meeke and the team will be looking to build on what they have achieved this season, with an identical calender for next season the team will start the year in a confident mood.
“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to continue to work together,” commented Meeke. “Since the end of last year, Citroën Racing has given me the chance to prove my worth. This first full season has been spent learning about the WRC.
“In the second half of the year, I was able to show part of my potential. There’s room for improvement, but I now have some decent foundations to build on next year, in order to keep progressing. With experience, everything becomes that bit easier. I know the team well and we understand each other. I feel like I’m part of the Citroën family!”
