After completing the post-rally technical scrutineering, the Rally de Portugal Stewards were issued with a reportfrom the FIA Technical Delegate which had identified differences in between the homologation sheet and twocomponents on the No. 2 Citroën DS3 WRC.

After receiving representatives from Citroën Racing, the Stewards excluded Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, whohad finished first.

Xavier Mestelan-Pinon, Citroën Racing Technical Director and Deputy Team Principal: “The scrutineers identifieddifferences in between the homologation sheet and two components: the clutch and the turbocharger. The CitroënDS3 WRCs clutch mechanisms are homologated with lightening holes. Our supplier recently provided us with a batchof parts that were not perforated and one of them was fitted to the no.2 DS3 WRC. These parts don't provide any gainin terms of performance, as they are heavier than those which are homologated. Regarding the turbocharger, which is astandard part on all World Rally Cars, the wheel turbine dimension exceed the maximum authorized. This differencecomes from dilatation, as the wheel is subject to extreme temperature and rpm factors.”

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal: “We had no intention whatsoever to cheat and the decision appears outof proportion. Given the fact that the reported differences didn’t bring us any advantage, we’ve decided to appeal. Atthe moment, most of all I feel sorry for Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, who produced a superb performance on aparticularly difficult rally. They really deserved their first win with us. All I can do, on behalf of the entire team, is offermy sincere apologies for this situation. I hope that Mikko and Jarmo will have the chance to top the podium again verysoon. ”