By entering two DS 3 WRCs at Rallye Monte-Carlo (18-24 January 2016), the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team will provide the pairings of Kris Meeke, Paul Nagle and Stéphane Lefebvre, Gabin Moreau with the opportunity to develop their experience at the opening round of the 2016 World Rally Championship.
Incorporating a selection of WRC rallies based in Europe, the programme of the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team will serve as a transitional stage before Citroën Racing returns as a works team in 2017.
The rallies will be distributed to various drivers, with Craig Breen and Khalid Al Qassimi joining Meeke and Lefebvre.
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Between one and three cars may be entered at each of the rounds chosen, depending on the event and the opportunities that arise.
“After a successful three-year partnership with Citroën, we are pleased to maintain our presence in the WRC,” commented Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Racing.
“It’s a programme that has been approved by Citroën Racing and which benefits from the expertise of PH Sport.
“As lead driver, Kris Meeke will contest several rounds, whilst prioritising his development work with Citroën Racing.
“We will also be aiming to provide opportunities for talented young drivers from the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. Supported by the expertise of the team, they will be able to add to their experience and show what they can do.”
Looking forward to Rallye Monte Carlo and @RallySweden already! https://t.co/veHAbC7Z9s #WRC @AbuDhabiRacing1 pic.twitter.com/Oe5bXg2E9I
— krismeeke.com (@krismeeke) December 18, 2015
To get the season underway, two DS 3 WRCs will be entered at Rallye Monte-Carlo, where Lefebvre will make his competitive debut alongside new co-driver Moreau. Last year, the Frenchman made the perfect start to his season by winning the WRC2 class in a DS 3 R5.
Three cars will then be entered at Rally Sweden (11-14 February) where Al Qassimi will enter the fray. His best overall result so far in WRC was tenth place in 2011.
“Being able to contest a certain number of rallies in 2016 was important when deciding about my future,” reiterated Kris Meeke.
“I would therefore like to thank Abu Dhabi, Total and all the partners who have made it possible for us compete in very good conditions at these events.
“It seemed essential to compete at Monte-Carlo. It is such an unpredictable rally, where experience counts more than anywhere else. I can’t wait to get back into the car for pre-event testing to prepare for this first race.”
