Matton says Australia win is realistic

Yves Matton wants to end Citroen’s season on a high with a win in Australia next week.

The French firm’s return to the WRC has offered a mixed bag through 2017, but Matton insists the car is moving in the right direction and will be at the sharp end of the leaderboard in New South Wales.

Matton has challenged team leader Kris Meeke to turn his undoubted Rally Australia speed into a result in Coffs Harbour.

The Northern Irishman stunned the establishment when he posted fastest time in qualifying for the 2013 event – only his second start in a DS 3 WRC.

Since then he finished fourth in 2014 and third in 2015, but led both rallies. Australia wasn’t part of his limited programme last season.

“I think it’s possible to do something down there,” said Matton. “We know Kris is always fast there and he has always been able to find the pace on those kind of roads. He will have a good position on the road for the first day, so let’s see.”

Matton has also pushed Craig Breen and Stephane Lefebvre to take their speed up a level down under.

“For the junior drivers, I would like to see a bit more pace and maybe a bit more risk on this rally,” he added. “That way I think we can end the season in a positive way.”