Monte Carlo: Citro?n final summary

Citro?n: one - two - three Chevrons.

The Citro?n Total team had a fantastic start for its first full participation in the World Rally Championship. The Xsaras of S?bastien Loeb - Daniel Elena, Colin McRae - Derek Ringer, Carlos Sainz - Marc Marti took the first three places on the oldest and most famous world rally. Under the management of Guy Fr?quelin, the team renewed brillantly last year's excellent performance.

S?bastien Loeb.

Photo by Citro?n Sport.

"Icy cool Seb" and his Monaco born co-driver Daniel Elena, drove to victory with self control and efficiency. A cautious start followed by increased pace lead to a fautless and sustained attack. By putting massive pressure on their rival, they eventually benefitted from the situation.

For "Seb" and Daniel this win has a special flavour. "Last year, Daniel and I nearly reached heaven. This time we can fully enjoy our victory. Here, more than anywhere else, this is a big team victory. The Xsaras triumphs with Carlos, Colin and us, but also thanks to the excellent and efficient work of the whole team."

For the first time in second place on the Monte Carlo, Colin McRae and Derek Ringer started their association with Citro?n under the best circumstances. "We knew the Xsara could win here, but achieving a one-two- three, it's just perfect. It's a tremendous result for the team" said Colin McRae.

In fourteen participations in the Monte, Carlos Sainz finished on the podium for the eleventh time. This shows how determined the Spaniard is. Carlos proved it yet again this morning. He lost the third place to Markko Martin temporarily after a rear bearing problem on his Xsara, but in the last stage, he caught up with the Ford driver, and finished third on the podium. "It's was a true Monte, a difficult one. The team is great and I want to thank especially Marc Marti who was co-driving me only for the second time. He did a fantastic job."

"It's wonderful", concluded Guy Fr?quelin. "The team has helped S?bastien to get the win he deserved last year. They also showed to Colin and Carlos that they could prepare a car to win. We couldn't dream of a better start."

Telef?nica Movistar, Michelin, Magneti-Marelli, OZ, AIS and Citro?n Financement are the partners of Team Citro?n-Total in the World Rally Championship.

Next round of the 2003 WRC : Uddeholm Swedish Rally (7 - 9 February)

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