Pierre Budar, Citroën Racing Team Principal knows his cars have the potential to win at Rally de España after Kris Meeke took the French manufacturers to victory in 2017. While Meeke is long gone after their acrimonious split, Sébastien Loeb is back for this rally and Craig Breen showed strong form last time out at Wales Rally GB.
“Like in Wales, the aim will be to fight at the front. “ said Budar. “The weather for the first leg on gravel will have a major influence on our performance, but if we manage to get to the end of Friday well-placed in the overall standings, we know we can count on the potential of the C3 WRC on tarmac to try and reproduce last year’s win at this rally.
Loeb is a nine-time winner in Spain, and while the Frenchman has only participated in two other FIA World Rally Championship events this year, he has shown flashes of his legendary skill.
“Both Sébastien and Craig can make a strong case for success here: Seb has won this event eight times and has already proven this year that he has lost none of his talent, whilst Craig comes into the rally in good form after a fine performance in Wales.”
Joining the team for for the fourth time this season, Khalid Al-Qassimi takes on the event for the tenth time in his career.
“I’m delighted to be back at this rally.” said Sheikh Khalid. “I’ve always loved racing here, especially the leg on gravel, even if it is always tricky. Switching from one surface to another during the weekend calls for a good ability to adapt and that’s what makes this round such a difficult, but really interesting challenge.”
The 54. RallyRACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada 2018 gets under way on Thursday 25 October with the crowd favourite Barcelona city stage returning to the event.
Follow The Checkered Flag throughout the event for updates each day.
