Ogier starts work at Citroen as French team looks at running a third car in 2019

Sebastien Ogier starts his first full day of development testing as a Citroen driver at the end of this week.

The Frenchman, who will run the C3 WRC for a day on the dirt in the Algarve area of Portugal, should have a clearer picture of who will be joining him and Esapekka Lappi in the Citroen team by the time he steps aboard the car. Citroen met with backers Abu Dhabi at last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to discuss the potential for an ongoing alliance. Increased partner support is vital if Citroen wants to field a third C3 WRC in 2019. Since signing Ogier, Citroen has made clear its priority is the drivers’ title next season, but a third car would enable a sustained threat in the makes’ race as well.

Team principal Pierre Budar told MN he expected to be in a position to comment on the number of cars in the team by the end of this week.

Current drivers Craig Breen and Mads Ostberg are still both vying to retain their seats, with the Norwegian pointing out that he’s been Citroen’s highest point scorer every season he’s worked with the French firm. He edged Kris Meeke when they worked together at the Versailles outfit in 2014/15 and a pair of podiums from his eight C3 WRC outings were enough to place him three points ahead of Breen this time.

Ostberg said: “I don’t want to play games – I want to stay at Citroen. I’ve always said that and nothing has changed. I feel we have delivered a very good year. I am motivated for a new season and I allow myself to say that I proved again that I can be a good contribution to any team that wants to fight for the constructors’ championship.”