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CAN CITROEN MAKE IT A MONTE HAT-TRICK?

Can Citroen make it a Monte Carlohat-trick when what’s probably the most famous rally in the world kicks-off this weekend (20-23 January 2005) to open the 2005 World Rally championship?

Sébastien Loeb, the newly crowned World Rally Champion, dominated the event in his Citroen Xsara WRC in 2002, lead Citroen to an amazing 1-2-3 win in 2003 and returned in 2004 to win the event again, so there is little doubt that Loeb will start this year’s event as the favourite to win yet again.

"Yes, and the perfect target for all my rivals too!” says the talented French driver. “I have to accept the role of favourite. There's even a nice side to it. I'm getting used to the pressure that goes with it, but I remain in control. All good runs come to an end some time and I tell myself that this one will too. On the other hand, the complexity of the Monte Carlo is such that, more than anywhere else, winning is a team effort. And we have a strong team, made even stronger by its recent record on this event. So although I am totally aware that anything can happen, I feel confident. More confident than last year."

Despite its success, everyone at Citroen knows that the Monte is an especially tough rally. For not only does the world-famed classic kick off the new season but it also stands out as one of the year's most unpredictable events.

This uncertainty stems not just from the nature of the event but also from the fact that every year the FIA World Rally Championship starts from a clean sheet. The relative strengths of the different teams committed from the previous season rarely carry over to the new season in full, so statements about relative competitiveness can be little more than supposition. Given that so many drivers have changed teams, including François Duval replacing Carlos Sainz in the Citroen team and two manufacturers have changed tyre partners, predictions are harder than ever this year.

Even the basics of this year’s event have changed with the 2005 Monte focused much further south than previously in order to remain within striking distance of the event's single service park located on the harbour front in Monaco. And while crews will climb as high as 1,604m when they pass the infamous Col de Turini, the route includes few north-facing slopes on which lingering patches of frost and/or ice are always potential hazards, especially when drivers have chosen dry weather tyres as the most competitive option overall!

Despite the fact that there seems to be little chance of encountering abundant snowfall during the rally, Citroën still took time to test on the white stuff prior to the event at the Col du Galibier. The team then switched to the Col de Perty and Roquesteron where they came across conditions much closer to those they are most likely to find on the day. As usual, the programme focused on putting the latest detail changes to the car through their paces, as well as testing and evaluating the known and new tyres developed for the Monte by the team's loyal tyre partner, Michelin.

“If the weather proves mild, that could make this year's Monte an all-out asphalt affair,” says Guy Fréquelin, Citroen Sport team Director.“But that could actually help us given the Xsara's potential on this type of surface. However, even this far south, the Monte Carlo will never be free of hazards. If it does turn out to be a principally clear asphalt rally, the fight will be very fierce so the drivers will come across any hazards there are at high speed… on dry weather tyres. The whole face of the rally could change in a fraction of a second. I always tend to be reserved prior to the start of events. In the case of the Monte Carlo, I am ten times more reserved. That said we will, of course, do everything we can to win!"

These tests also enabled the team's new recruit François Duval to familiarise himself with the Xsara. Indeed, it didn't take the talented young Belgian long to feel at home in his new car and, including testing for the Swedish Rally, he covered close to a thousand kilometres in total. François revels in difficult conditions and he therefore has a soft spot for the Monte, as illustrated by his remarkable run in 2004when he was notably the only driver to match Sébastien's pace in the fog of SS8. So what does Duval think of the Xsara?

"I spent two days testing in December near Roquesteron and the Col St. Jean and it didn't take long for me to feel comfortable with the car which is predictable and nicely balanced,” says François Duval.“It doesn't pose any problems in particular. After testing in Sweden, I spent two more days in the French Alps, again near Roquesteron and at the Col de Perty, and they just confirmed my first impressions. After something like 1,000 km in the car, I can say I feel very much at home in the Xsara. I received a warm welcome from the team whose rigour and professionalism doesn't really surprise me. My co-driver Stéphane competed with Citroën in 2000 and he had given me prior warning! Seb tested in Roquesteron during the day between my two days there, so I stayed on to watch and chat with him about set-up. We seem to be on a similar wavelength when it comes to set up.”

Michelin, Magneti-Marelli, Kinetic, OZ, AIS and Citroën Financement are Team Citroën-Total's partners in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Questions to Guy Fréquelin…

How is your team at the moment?

"Fine, thanks! Everyone is of course aware of the decisions that were announced at the end of 2004. They have sunk in, but we don't intend mulling over them all season. We have much better things to be getting on with, beginning with the defence of our two world titles. The team knows nothing's going to be easy. But that, instead of getting us down, has simply added to our motivation. The guys want to show that the quality of their work has lost none of its polish and you can literally feel their will to get on with what they perceive as a stimulating challenge. We have no intention of giving anything away!"

What is your opinion concerning the modifications to the WRC regulations?

"The view of the manufacturers has been heard. That's one positive point. The dropping of the flexi-service system for mid-leg service halts means that the rhythm of the events will improve, and I clearly won't regret the stress of having to nominate tyres three minutes before checking into service. The other thing concerns the limiting of parts. The subject was debated and we have accepted the result. It will require reliability. Everyone knows that that's one of our strong points, but we are going to try to improve even further in this domain. Restrictive measures always have knock-on effects and, as long as we do not know what they are, and until we master them, we will continue to be a little on our guard because of the uncertainty and small risk involved."

As a former driver, what is your view of the route of the 2005 Monte Carlo?

"For practical reasons, we won't be going very far north. It's a pity that the northern stages where we were most likely to find snow don't figure on the programme. If the weather proves mild, that could make this year's Monte an all-out asphalt affair. But that could actually help us given the Xsara's potential on this type of surface. However, even this far south, the Monte Carlo will never be free of hazards. If it does turn out to be a principally clear asphalt rally, the fight will be very fierce so the drivers will come across any hazards there are at high speed… on dry weather tyres. The whole face of the rally could change in a fraction of a second. I always tend to be reserved prior to the start of events. In the case of the Monte Carlo, I am ten times more reserved…That said, we will of course do everything we can to win!"

…to Sébastien Loeb…

How did the winter break go for you?

"December was a little crazy and just flashed past, what with testing and various other commitments. The flattering side of the latter is being reminded all the time that you are World Champion. I then enjoyed a fortnight off which I spent with friends and family, looking back at last year and looking forward to this season. Missing out so narrowly on the title in 2003 put a little pressure on me and winning the championship in 2004 took away much of that pressure. I feel liberated. Whatever happens now, I've achieved my goal and fulfilled every rally driver's dream. Some say that the first conquest is the most difficult. We'll see. What's certain is that I haven't yet had my fill; behind the wheel, I feel the same desire to win. I want this to be a fantastic season with Citroën…"

There's a possibility that you won't find much snow, if any, on this year's Monte Carlo Rally. What's your feeling about that?

"Even though its route is very compact, I would like it to be a real Monte. However, the route has been planned in such a way that the only chance of coming across snow will probably be over the Col de Turini. If it does prove to be predominantly asphalt, that won't necessarily go against me, but I will miss the fun and pleasure of driving the Xsara on snow. But I am also very aware that even if we don't get snow, we will inevitably find patches of frost and ice. And that's another ballgame, another style of driving altogether…"

You dominated the 2002 Monte, you won outright in 2003 and 2004 and this year you will have number 1 on your doors. There's little doubt, you start as favourite…

"The perfect target for my rivals too! I have to accept the role of favourite. There's even a nice side to it. I'm getting used to the pressure that goes with it, but I remain lucid. All good runs come to an end some time and I tell myself that this one will too. On the other hand, the complexity of the Monte Carlo is such that, more than anywhere else, winning is a team effort. And we have a strong team, made even stronger by its recent record on this event. So although I am totally aware that anything can happen, I feel confident. More confident than last year…"

…and to François Duval…

Talk us through your first contact with the Xsara WRC…

"I spent two days testing in December near Roquesteron and the Col St. Jean and it didn't take long for me to feel comfortable with the car which is predictable and nicely balanced. It doesn't pose any problems in particular. After testing in Sweden, I spent two more days in the French Alps, again near Roquesteron and at the Col de Perty, and they just confirmed my first impressions. After something like 1,000 km in the car, I can say I feel very much at home in the Xsara. I received a warm welcome from the team whose rigour and professionalism doesn't really surprise me. My co-driver Stéphane competed with Citroën in 2000 and he had given me prior warning! Seb tested in Roquesteron during the day between my two days there, so I stayed on to watch and chat with him about set-up. We seem to be on a similar wavelength in that respect…"

What is your view of the Monte Carlo Rally?

"I don't know whether it's because of my experience on quad bikes or because of the roads on which I started competing in Belgium, but I enjoy difficult conditions like snow or ice… even on dry weather tyres. The Monte Carlo Rally is therefore an event I like. It's a pity we won't be going as far north as Gap where we would have been fairly sure of finding such conditions. That said, for my debut with Citroën, if this year's Monte proves more of an asphalt event – which is essentially less complex – then that it will simplify things, which won't be a bad thing either…"

What sort of result do you think you can achieve in Monaco? What would you be satisfied with?

"I am aiming for a podium finish and I will be happy if I achieve that. Over the full season, a good average finish will be between 2nd and 5th place. I will therefore be satisfied if I finish between these two places. If I finish any further back than that, then I admit I will be disappointed…"

Facts and figures:

  • The total length of the 73rd running of the championship's longest running event is 1,360.13km, including 353.07 km divided into 15 special stages (9 different).
  • Recce takes place over Tuesday January 18th and Wednesday January 19th(08:00 until 18:00).
  • The shakedown(Thursday, from 08:00 until 11:00) uses the same stage as in previous years (Col de Castillon – Col St. Jean) and finishes on the D54.
  • For timing reasons, the FIA press conference (Thursday, 11:30) innovates in that it will be held in Sospel's 'Salle Multimedia' (Place St Michel). It will be followed by the traditional driver and co-driver photo shoot in Monaco's Jardin des Boulingrins (15:00).
  • Thursday's programme ends with the ceremonial start (Place du Casino, Monaco, 18:30).
  • Servicing: the event's single service park will be located on Monaco's harbour front. The flexi-service system (cars of the same team serviced one by one) now only applies to the final service of the day (45 minutes). The 10-minute morning service and the 30-minute mid-leg services (increased from 20 minutes) revert to the traditional system.
  • Leg 1 (Friday January 21st): 483.63 km, including 108.51 km divided into 4 stages (3 different). Cars leave Monaco from 07:00. SS1 (Ilonse – Pierlas, 22.93 km) and SS2 (St Antonin – Toudon, 20.16 km). Service A (30 minutes). SS3 (Lantosque – Col de Braus1, 32.71 km). Service B (30 minutes). SS4 (Lantosque – Col de Braus2). Service C (flexi-service, 45 minutes). Cars finish Leg 1 from 19:05.
  • Leg 2. (Saturday January 22nd): 562.04 km, including 128.48 km divided into 5 stages (3 different). Cars leave Monaco from 06:45. Service D (10 minutes). SS5 (Col de Braus – Lantosque 1, 32.62 km. Service E (30 minutes). SS6 (Toudon – St. Antonin 1), 19.52 km and SS7 (Pont des Miolans – Les Sausses 1, 28.41 km). Service F (30 minutes). SS8 (Toudon – St. Antonin 2) and SS9 (Pont des Miolans – Les Sausses 2). Service G (flexi-service, 45 minutes). Cars finish Leg 1 from 20:01.
  • Leg 3 (Sunday January 23rd): 314.46 km, including 116.08 km divided into 6 stages (3 different). Cars leave Monaco from 06:52. Service H (10 minutes). SS10 (Col de Braus – Col de l’Orme 1, 7.33 km), SS11 (La Cabanette – Lantosque 1, 19.52 km) and SS12 (La Bollène Vésubie – Sospel 1, 31.19 km. Service I (30 minutes). SS13 (Col de Braus – Col de l’Orme 2), SS14 (La Cabanette – Lantosque 2) and SS15 (La Bollène Vésubie – Sospel 2). Service J (20 minutes). Rally finishes at 14:33.
  • New this year: SS1: all new. SS3/4: the section from the Col St. Roch to the Col de l’Orme passes north of Lucéram. SS7/9: the start of the 'Col de Bleine’ stage between Pont des Miolans and the former start is new. The stage finishes before the Col de Bleine and passes via Les Sausses instead of Le Mas.
  • Tyres: the authorised quota per driver is 80 asphalt tyres and 50 snow tyres. The bar-code references of these tyres must be registered by January 17th. Three tread patterns are permitted but all tyres must have an interior diameter of 18 inches. This rules out the narrow 'maxi snow' option (Michelin G51) which uses specific 16" rims. Including shakedown, drivers may use 55 tyres from their individual quota. There is no longer a requirement to nominate tyre choice before checking into service parks. However, the tyres chosen must be communicated within 30 minutes of the car checking out of service.
  • Sébastien Loeb has started the Monte CarloRally on four previous occasions: 2001 (Saxo Kit Car, 2nd Class A6), 2002 (Xsara WRC, 2nd), 2003 (Xsara WRC, 1st), 2004 (Xsara WRC, 1st).
  • In addition, Sébastien's Monaco-born co-driver Daniel Elena also took part as a driver in 1997 and 1998.
  • François Duval has started the Monte Carlo three times: 2002 (Ford Puma S1600, 1st Junior), 2003 (Ford Focus, 7th), and 2004 (Ford Focus, 3rd).
  • Stéphane Prévot's experience in the event goes back a long way: one participation with François Duval in 2003 (Ford Focus, 3rd), plus eight others alongside Bruno Thiry: 2002 (Peugeot 206, 11th), 2001 (Skoda Octavia, 8th), 2000 (Toyota Corolla, 5th), 1999 (Subaru Impreza, 5th), 1998 (Ford Escort WRC, 6th), 1995 (Ford Escort Cosworth, 5th), 1994 (Ford Escort Cosworth, 6th) and 1993 (Opel Astra GSi 16V, 8th).
  • Citroën has won the Monte Carlo Rally four times: 1959 (Coltelloni/Alexandre/Desrosiers, ID19), 1966 (P. Toivonen/Mikkander, DS21), 2003 and 2004 (Loeb/Elena, Xsara WRC).
  • A private Xsara WRC run by Kronos Racing has been entered by Team OMV for Austria's Manfred Stohl/Ilka Minor.
  • JWRC: two Kronos-run C2 Super 1600s will compete in the Junior World Championship. One will be driven by Colin McRae's protégé Kris Meeke and his co-driver Chris Patterson, the other by Daniel Sordo who enjoys backing from the RACC and Carlos Sainz. Daniel will be paired with the experienced Marc Marti.

(ends)

For further information:

Citroën Australia Media Web Site:

Miles Williams

/ Tel: (02) 9701 8020
General Manager / Fax: (02) 9701 3555
Citroën Australia / Mob: 0419 800 520
E-Mail:

Edward Rowe

/ Tel: (02) 9701 8015
Public Relations Manager / Fax: (02) 9701 3555
Citroën Australia / Mob: 0407 913 244
E-Mail:

Web site:

CitroënAustralia

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Telephone: 02 9701 8000; Direct Telephone 02 9701 8015 Fax: 02 9701 3555. Mobile +61 0407 913 244

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1/15/2005