Citroën’s World Rally Team have unveiled their three crews for the 2017 and 2018 FIA World Rally Championship season.
This comes after the new 2017 Citroën C3 WRC was shown a few days ago at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Craig Breen/Scott Martin and Stéphane Lefebvre/Gabin Moreau will make up the three crews for the French manufacturer in their return to the WRC as a ‘factory’ team.
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson will be taking the wheel of the fourth C3 WRC at some rallies in the 2017 season.
Citroën Racing Team Principal Yves Matton said “We had several scenarios regarding the choice of our crews for the future.
“Kris Meeke was confirmed at the end of last year and has become the natural leader of the team. As well as challenging for the lead on each of his appearances in 2016, winning in Portugal and in Finland, he has also done most of the development work for our Citroën C3 WRC.”
Kris Meeke and Craig Breen make up two-thirds of the three Citroën crews for the 2017 and 2018 WRC season. Credit: @World Photography/Citroën Racing
Matton also added about going for youth over experience in Citroën’s WRC line-up for 2017 and 2018.
“In choosing two young crews to complete the line-up, I don’t think we can be accused of having gone for the easy option. But this original solution is very much aligned with Citroën’s mindset.
“Having seen them compete this season for the Abu Dhabi Total WRT, we believe in the potential of Craig Breen and Stéphane Lefebvre. They have the natural talent, motivation and work ethic to win rallies.
“I would also say we are proud to take these young drivers – who have been with the PSA Group for many years – up to the top level of the sport.
“At the start of the season, we’ll have no choice but to have them take turns behind the wheel in the second Citroën C3 WRC. However, as soon as possible, our three crews will be starting each round.”
