Guy Frequelin, Citroën motorsport boss, has admitted that he does not see his team repeating its Argentinean one-two finish at this weekend’s Rally of Finland.
Guy Frequelin, Citroën motorsport boss, has admitted that he does not see his team repeating its Argentinean one-two finish at this weekend’s Rally of Finland.
Previously thought of being a specialist tarred-surface competitor, Citroën’s Xsara has been in good nick at gravel events thus far this season. Both the current driver’s championship leader, Sébastien Loeb, and team mate Carlos Sainz have won events off the tar this season.
At the last WRC encounter in Argentina Sainz crossed the finish line first, followed by Loeb, to ensure a Citroën one-two finish.
But Frequelin is concerned about the car’s pace on the faster and smoother Finnish circuit, which presents a greater technical challenge to the cars and drivers.
“Rally Finland still represents a formidable fortress,” the Citroën boss said. “For us to conquer it represents a tough, if exciting challenge. It is a unique event, and our priority will not be to beat the local specialists at all costs, but to finish in the big points.
“We are in a favourable position in both championships, but our lead is not sufficiently strong for us to be able to indulge in fantasies that could compromise our advantage. Just like a football team that is ahead, we can choose not to expose ourselves and yet be ready to pounce on an opening if one should come up,” Frequelin said.
