Citroën Racing Team received a high profile visit from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco this weekend during the French round of the FIA WTCC at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
Prince Albert II received a tour of the pits from former Citroën co-driver Daniel Elena, who is the principality’s most decorated sportsman, with 78 rally wins and nine World Championship titles. After his tour Elena’s former WRC partner Sébastien Loeb took Prince Albert II for a spin in a two-seater Citroën C-Elysee WTCC.
Citroën Racing Team Principal Yves Matton then presented the Prince with the Citroën DS3 WRC that won the Monte-Carlo Rally in 2013. The car will be added to the Monaco Top Cars Collection which was started by Prince Albert II’s father, Prince Rainier III.
Being Monaco’s most decorated sportsman Elena was overjoyed to see ‘his’ DS3 join the prestigious collection. “I’m proud to see ‘my’ DS3 WRC join Prince Rainier III’s collection,” said Elena.
“It’s a lovely gesture for my country, which will allow the people of Monaco and visitors from all over the world to come and admire a marvellous car.”
Matton also praised Elena and what he has done for Citroen Racing and Monaco. “Citroën racing has great memories of the Monte-Carlo Rally, not least the 1-2-3 achieved by Sébastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae in 2003.”
“But the thing we will remember best about Monaco is Daniel Elena! He is synonymous with the team, and it’s a kind of tribute to him to be giving a Citroën DS3 WRC to the Monaco Top Cars Collection.”
As an avid Motorsport fan, Prince Albert II was extremely thankful to Citroën for their reception at Paul Ricard and for their generosity in presenting a WRC-winning car. “This has been a terrific experience for me and I would like to thank Sébastien (Loeb) for taking the time to take me out in the car, which was a real thrill.”
“It’s also very exciting to have his WRC-winning Citroën join the collection, which I try to improve year by year, It will have a special place.”
