Rally Italia Sardinia 2017

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal
"After the first six rounds of the season, it would appear that the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT's results have fallen a little short of the targets set at the start of the year. At the same time, Andreas Mikkelsen has been actively looking for a drive in the WRC's top category. We have therefore come to an agreement for him to compete at Rally Italia Sardegna in one of our C3 WRCs. I think I can say that we are all delighted with this opportunity! Andreas has a fair amount of experience at this rally, which is not the case for us since the Abu Dhabi Total WRT didn't compete in Sardinia last year. Given his limited preparation, Andreas won't have a specific target for the rally. We'll be just looking for him to drive at a pace that is consistent with how comfortable he feels in the car. We would like to thank the FIA and Skoda Motorsport for agreeing to this change and Stéphane Lefebvre, who is giving up his place on this rally.

This is not a sanction of any kind, nor does it call into question our investment in the young drivers. The decision is merely intended to maximise Citroën's chances. Stéphane accepted that it was necessary to put the team first in this case; he will still be in Sardinia to take part in recce and will then be competing at Rally Poland." Andreas Mikkelsen "It's an open secret that I have been looking for a solution to keep competing in the top category of the WRC since the end of the 2016 season. I'm therefore very happy to be joining the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT at Rally Italia Sardegna. Citroën has an impressive competitive record in the WRC and I'm delighted to be able to work with a team like this.

In winning the season's opening gravel rally, the Citroën C3 WRC has shown it has potential and it seems to be making regular progress. I can't wait to get my bearings in testing and then start working on preparing for the rally. I'll no doubt be short of running time in the car at the start, but the main thing for me is to be back racing in the leading category in a strong team. I would like to thank everyone who has worked to make this opportunity possible."

[jacko]

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal
This is not a sanction of any kind, nor does it call into question our investment in the young drivers. The decision is merely intended to maximise Citroën's chances. Stéphane accepted that it was necessary to put the team first in this case; he will still be in Sardinia to take part in recce and will then be competing at Rally Poland." Andreas Mikkelsen "It's an open secret that I have been looking for a solution to keep competing in the top category of the WRC since the end of the 2016 season. I'm therefore very happy to be joining the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT at Rally Italia Sardegna. Citroën has an impressive competitive record in the WRC and I'm delighted to be able to work with a team like this.

Well, a bit suprise (or is it a sign) there's not even a DS3 WRC or a R5 for Lefebvre in Sardinia. I think with Poland and Finland comming up Mikkelsen will stay with Citroën. Or he must have a big accident in the first stage, than there's a escape for Citroën to hire him for more rallies this year. But in the end i think, for sure with a eye on 2018, Mikkelsen is the best option besides Meeke and Breen, than they have a very competitive team.