it is Not too common to see two factory riders to compete with old material, and in a private computer when they maintain that role of official drivers. However, that is the reality for Kris Meeke and Stéphane Lefebvre. Both are official drivers of Citroën Racing, but with the departure of the brand in the WRC until 2017, both compete with two units of the Citroen DS3 WRC for 2015, run by PH-Sport with the colors of the so-called Abu Dhabi Total WRT. Those are the circumstances that lead to Meeke and Lefebvre to address a Rally of Montecarlo peculiar.
The positive part of this situation and a program part for the dating european is that Kris Meeke has no pressure. The british driver has had to deal with in the last two seasons with complicated situations that have played your position at Citroën in one or two tests. With a contract under arm long-term, Kris Meeke arrives at the Monte carlo Rally, relieved of any responsibility and with the aim of achieving a good result. To date, Kris Meeke has competed seven times for the ‘Monte’ with a third place as best result. It was in 2014.
“More than a new season, this is a new chapter in my career which has begun in 2016. I Am very happy to compete in the Rally of Monte carlo with the team Abu Dhabi Total WRC“ explains Kris Meeke. “Obviously we’re not in the same situation as the other competitors and therefore don’t feel any pressure. There is not a goal of success at the end of the season. I’m going to try to do the best job possible and to accumulate experience. As always the big unknown is the weather. It is likely that we have a huge amount of snow and ice. It is a rally that I like, but the tire choice is almost hateful”.
Stéphane Lefebvre has competed in the Rally Monte carlo on one occasion
in the bosom of the WRC, but was at the wheel of a Citroën DS3 R5. The
French finished twelfth,- with victory in WRC2 – in a big
action to the vehicle controls PH-Sport, structure that now
will debut with a World Rally Car in the complicated sections of the Gap.
Although the frenchman has played a total of five tests with the
Citroën DS3 WRC in the final stretch of last season, the Rally
Monte carlo is another story and seráun complicated premiere.
Stephane
Lefebvre considers that: “The Rally Monte carlo is a test in which
I manage well. This year I have the thrill of being able to do a good
result. The Monte carlo is not a sprint like other rallies of the World.
The differences can enlarge and reduce very fast. I don’t have
no specific target in terms of a result, because we don’t know
how they worked the official teams during the preseason. I will be
satisfied if I can continue with my progress end of last year.
I have the luck of having a partner very quickly which will be a point
reference“.
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