06 Dec 12

New look for Citroen
in the WRC

Citroen Racing chief Yves Matton has spoken of his sense of pride at the launch of the Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team line-up for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship and the official unveiling of the squad's new livery.

Featuring a combination of gold, red and white in place of the predominantly dark blue of previous backer Red Bull, the new colour scheme will flank the squad’s quartet of DS3 WRCs next season.

Speaking at the Monte-Carlo Beach venue in Abu Dhabi earlier today, Matton said: “We are very proud to have forged a relationship with a partner that is as prestigious and dynamic as Abu Dhabi. Like our long-time partner Total, Abu Dhabi will be visible across all our 2013 programmes: on the works teams competing in the WRC and the Middle East Rally Championship, but also in the Citroen Racing Trophy held in the main countries in Europe. Together, we are also committed to establishing a rally driver development programme with Abu Dhabi Racing.”

Citroen has also confirmed Mikko Hirvonen will contest 13 rounds of next year’s WRC, Dani Sordo at least 11, Sebastien Loeb four and Khalid Al-Qassimi eight.

Meanwhile, Citroen’s alliance with Abu Dhabi will also include a two-car junior team in the Middle East championship. Competing in a brace of DS3 R3s, the two young drivers will be selected at a qualifying event at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi from 7-9 December.