Citroën DS3 R3 – 27th Rallye des Cardabelles – 08-10 October 2010…In a cloud of dust, the Citroën DS3 R3 will take the start of the Rallye des Cardabelles nextweekend for its very first outing on gravel. Coming off the back of two wins on asphalt, the car willcontinue its high-speed demonstration run on a new surface while aiming for class victory.
The Rallye des Cardabelles is the fourth round of the French Gravel Championship and a firm favouritewith all the crews. The route, which takes in the picturesque countryside around Millau in the south ofFrance, offers crews 160 competitive kilometres of challenging flat-out stages that are a big test for anycar. This rally will form a key point in the evolution of the Citroën DS3 R3, which actually started out itsdevelopment on gravel. In order to accomplish this latest mission, Citroën can rely on the experience ofMarc Amourette and his co-driver Gwenola Marie, who currently sit at the top of the two-wheel drivestandings in the French Championship. The consistency and reliability of the French crew, who usuallydrive the C2 S1600 or the C2-R2 MAX, is sure to showcase the new car’s qualities on the demandinggravel in the south of France.
Three questions to… Marc Amourette
You’ll be giving the Citroën DS3 R3 its debut on gravel. How are you going to approach the rally?
“I’m just going to approach it in the same way that I approach every rally, firstly by concentrating on mypace notes, which are very important on a gravel event. The opening stage will allow me to get to gripswith the car and see where I am compared to everyone else; then I’m hoping to increase my pace withevery kilometre.”
You’ll have some idea of what to expect as you’ve contested the Rallye des Cardabelles before. Canyou describe the characteristics of the event?
“The Rallye des Cardabelles is an unusual event that contains a bit of everything. The roads areconstantly evolving, as they are different on each run. Generally speaking the stages are fast with bothuphill and downhill sections and the levels of grip are constantly changing. Sometimes the roads areslippery and at other times they are rough. In conclusion, it’s the perfect rally for the Citroën DS3 R3 toshow what it can do on gravel.”
You’re currently leading the two-wheel drive trophy in the French Championship with the C2-R2MAX. Do you think that the Citroën DS3 R3 can aim for victory in Millau?
“After taking part in some tests with the DS3 R3 a few weeks ago, I have to say that I was absolutelyastounded by its potential and level of sheer performance. It’s simply the fastest two-wheel drive car that Ihave ever had the chance to drive up to now. The chassis and the suspension give the DS3 incredibleroad holding and the gearbox is astonishingly easy to manage. I’m convinced that this car is able not onlyto win its class but also to get into the top 10 overall. Since the test, I’ve been really impatient to get backbehind the steering wheel and start doing battle with the clock!”
Alexis Avril, the chief engineer in charge of the Citroën DS3 R3 project, said: “We’re entering a newphase in the progression of the DS3 R3 and the whole team cannot wait to demonstrate the car’spotential on this new surface in competitive conditions. The DS3 will be equipped with the gravel kit thatwill soon be sold by Citroen’s parts department. Our overall goal on this event is to measure ourselvesagainst the established opposition and to confirm all the work we have carried out during thedevelopment of the car, where we concentrated in particular on chassis and suspension. The terrain,which is well known for being fast and sometimes rough, will be ideal for highlighting the solidity andstrength of the car. On top of all that, we would also like to ensure that the car is reliable andcompetitive, whatever the surface.”
Those who love rallying and seeing cars get sideways can head to Millau, from 9-10 October, for the27th Rallye des Cardabelles, where 160 competitors are expected to battle all weekend long.
