Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team Aims for Success in WRC

Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi's Confidence

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 January, 2013: Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE has expressed confidence in the new Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team, predicting that they will achieve first-time success this season. This season marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between the UAE capital and the dominant force in the World Rally Championship (WRC), which has prevailed for the last eight years.

Key Players in the Championship

As the first of 13 WRC rounds kicked off in Monte Carlo, Al Qassimi highlighted the importance of the team's lineup, which includes:

• Mikko Hirvonen (Finland)
• Dani Sordo (Spain)
• Sebastien Loeb (nine-time world champion)

He believes that this combination is crucial in the battle for the manufacturers’ title, a title that has been held by Citroën Racing for the past eight years.

Expectations for the Season

With Loeb effectively relinquishing his drivers’ title by participating in only four WRC events this season, Al Qassimi is optimistic about Hirvonen and Sordo's capabilities in their respective DS3 WRCs.

Comments from Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi

“The team is definitely very capable of coming out on top in the WRC again,” said Al Qassimi, who is also the chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing and will return to WRC action in another DS3 WRC in Sweden next month.

He continued, “From what I have seen, Citroën is extremely professional in everything they do, including car preparation and rally program planning.”

Loeb's Legacy

“Loeb pushed himself to the limit and won more world titles than anyone else, making him arguably the greatest rally driver ever. He will certainly be missed,” Al Qassimi added.

Hirvonen and Sordo's Potential

“Hirvonen has what it takes to step into Loeb's place. He is a driver who consistently pushes himself to the limit. Sordo was the best option among other drivers considered for the team; his consistency makes him a strong contender as well.”

Outlook for the Season

“I think it is wide open this season because everyone knows there will be a new champion at the end of the year, and they will all be going for it,” said Al Qassimi.

Monte Carlo Rally Start

Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena, along with Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, commenced the Monte Carlo Rally this morning representing the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT as the event began from Valence.

Sordo and co-driver Carlos del Barrio also started the event in another DS3 WRC for Abu Dhabi Citroën Total WRT, the second team established by the Abu Dhabi Racing-Citroën Racing partnership.