CITROENEYESATHIRDENTRY FORWRCNEXTSEASON

Citroen will go in search of its first manufacturers’ championship crown since 2012 next season – with the squad currently negotiating to run a third C3 WRC in 2019.

When Citroen confirmed Sebastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi, the French firm suggested there would be no third car. Citroen CEO Linda Jackson has confirmed to

MN that policy has changed. “We are currently in discussion with our partners about a possible third car,” Jackson told MN. “We’re looking at it. The car has proved itself and the combination of the car and the new drivers are going to give us success.

“We think we can win the championship. Let’s be honest, you wouldn’t take one of the best drivers and not want to win, we want to win – you don’t go into this if you don’t want to win.”

Loeb had committed his future to the World Rallycross Championship with Citroen’s PSA sister brand Peugeot, but when the team pulled out of WRX earlier this month, Loeb was left with nothing.

Jackson said: “Sebastien is part of the PSA family and obviously lots of discussions are being had with Sebastien. I can’t really comment, that would be unfair to talk about what he does or doesn’t want to do. He’s part of the family and I’m sure there will be something that Sebastien wants to do and that will help us. There’s lots on the table and we wait for Sebastien to give us his choice.”

Asked about Breen and his chances of retaining a Citroen seat into the new year, Jackson added: “Craig is looking at his future and I’m sure there will be something coming out for Craig. Craig is doing a fantastic job for us and if there is a third car, he’ll be in the mix for that.”

Jackson also confirmed Citroen’s commitment to the WRC for the next two seasons – the duration of Ogier’s contract.