CITROËN HAS CONFIRMED PART OF ITS WRC DRIVER LINE-UP FOR NEXT YEAR, WITH THE NEWS THAT GREAT BRITAIN’S KRIS MEEKE WILL REMAIN AT THE SQUAD.
The 35-year old, who competes alongside Irish co-driver Paul Nagle, has tackled 17 rallies for the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi team since he was offered a trial at the 2013 Neste Oil Rally Finland.
Meeke’s relationship with the team got off to a difficult start, crashing out in Finland, then again from a second chance outing in Australia, but his results improved throughout 2014. He secured podium finishes in Monte-Carlo, Argentina, Finland and France and also led the rounds in Germany and Australia.
“When we chose Kris Meeke for this season, we took a bit of a gamble,” explained team principal Yves Matton. “But he has improved with pretty much every race and has now become a complete driver.
“The real turning point [this year] was at Rally Finland. He adopted the right approach. He has managed to acquire experience throughout the season. He has shown that he not only has real pace, but that he can be more patient sometimes as well. Kris is a competitive driver on all surfaces, capable of being quick on tarmac and on gravel. This versatility is a real asset for Citroën Racing.”
Meeke said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to continue to work together. Since the end of last year, Citroën Racing has given me the chance to prove my worth. This first full season has been spent learning about the WRC. In the second half of the year, I was able to show part of my potential.
“There’s room for improvement, but I now have some decent foundations to build on next year, in order to keep progressing. With experience, everything becomes that bit easier. I know the team well and we understand each other. I feel like I’m part of the Citroën family!”
The identity of Citroen Racing’s second driver, a position held this year by Mads Ostberg, is expected to be announced next week.
