Citroën’s brand new DS3 R3 will get it’s chance to shine at the Ulster Rally from the 20th to 21st August. The Antrim based event will give Bryan Bouffier and Xavier Panseri the opportunity to take the wheel of the new machine, and put it’s through it’s paces against competition for the first time.
The Irish asphalt will provide a tough test for the first competitive miles for the DS3 and it’s 210bhp power plant.
Bouffier will be looking to keep the car on the road throughout, and make the most of the 205 stage kilometres, but will also be seeking to push the DS3 to it’s limits.
Representing Citroën, Jean-François Liénéré, had this to say “While we have been very pleased with our progress in testing, nothing replicates real competition. The Ulster Rally is a very tricky event where competitors have to deal with narrow roads that offer little grip. The variable weather conditions in Ireland are capable of springing both nice and nasty surprises so these are sure to be a determining factor in the outcome of the rally. The ideal result for us in Antrim would be to win Group R and finish in the top five overall.”
“From a sporting point of view, Ireland and Great Britain are very important customer competition markets for our company. Citroën has a strong presence thanks to the Citroën Racing Trophy, which boasts a high profile and several top quality drivers. These people are very interested in the new DS3 R3 and I believe that our latest challenger will live up to all their expectations”, added Liénéré.
Speaking of the chance to give the DS3 it’s competition debut, Bryan Bouffier stated “I was the first driver to test the Citroën DS3 R3 and now it is a great honour for me to be at the wheel when it has its first taste of competition. I'm going to start this rally hugely motivated, with my objective being to show the world just how fantastic this new car is”.
