Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website The C3 WRCS head for the clouds
march 02, 2018 - Citroen Racing

The C3 WRCS head for the clouds

After the bitterly cold temperatures of Sweden, where Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT secured its first podium of 2018, the World #rally Championship heads across the Atlantic to the milder climate and high altitudes of Mexico, the setting for this year's third round. Mexico sees the much anticipated return of Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, who line up alongside #krismeeke and Paul Nagle as the team looks to confirm its good start to the season.

AN EXPERIENCED DUO

There is no substitute for experience and this is especially true at #rally Mexico. The combined effects of high altitudes and high temperatures put the cars under stresses that are not encountered elsewhere. Its specific features are therefore so difficult to reproduce in European testing that you need to get miles under your belt here in order to have a chance of getting among the frontrunners. With seven wins from the thirteen times the #rally has been contested as part of the #wrc, Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT has the experience required to do well at this, the third round of the season and the first on gravel. This is especially the case as this year's line-up features #krismeeke – Paul Nagle, who scored the brand's most recent win here last year, and Sébastien Loeb – Daniel Elena, who claimed the first six (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012).

Whilst he initially made the most of his road position to lead in the early stages in 2017, #krismeeke then did more than just hold off the consistent attacks of the now five-time world champion. He went on to secure a deserved maiden win for the #c3wrc, despite a major scare in the last few metres. The driver/co-driver pairing therefore know that they can be competitive at this event, which is why they have genuine hopes of a result at this year's #rally, as they aim to confirm the team's successful start to the season. The situation will be slightly different for Sébastien Loeb, however, as the 44 year-old returns for the first round of a three-rally programme (also including the Tour de Corse and #rally de Catalunya) for the team with which he began his career. With his last outing at a #wrc #rally going back to Monte-Carlo 2015 and his final full season as long ago as 2012, the nine-time world #rally champion – whilst remaining very active in other categories – is very likely to be short on time in a #rally car. He is also bound to lack knowledge of the stages and this new generation of WRCs, compared with the increasingly tough competition. But there is no doubt that he has the talent to spring a surprise at one of his favourite events.

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