CHARDONNET WINS THE BATTLE!
The first round of the Citroen Top Driver contested on tarmac proved to be particularly demanding and difficult for the crews taking part. Quick and efficient, Sebastien Chardonnet and Thibault de la Haye managed to keep out of trouble and enjoyed an error-free rally. Keith Cronin/Marshall Clark and Christian Riedemann/Lara Vanneste claimed the other places on the WRC3 podium in their DS3 R3s.
Four days of racing were completed at a frantic pace with the weather providing dry and wet conditions. The unpredictable weather was largely responsible for spicing up conditions on the final day. The crews set off for two runs on the 25 kilometre-long Dhrontal stage, with no service break. Tyre choice was therefore a key factor in terms of race management.
For Sebastien Chardonnet, the final leg was not all about pushing hard. Armed with a comfortable lead, acquired during the first three days and thanks to his eight stage wins, the French driver just needed to hold position. He took no risks, so it was therefore no surprise that he went on to claim the win. This fine performance also meant he reclaimed the lead in the Citroën Top Driver championship standings.
“We can be pleased with the result this weekend. The conditions were really tough and we managed to keep out of trouble,” analysed Sebastien Chardonnet. “You had to make the right calls, at the right time. We did just that, and it paid off. We wanted to get the lead back in the Top Driver standings and we have achieved just that. I’d really like to thank Thibault and the team who did a great job and gave me a fantastic DS3 R3!
Quite a way back in second, Keith Cronin admitted he had been fortunate to finish as the runner-up here in Germany. After picking up a puncture on the 14 kilometre-long Sauertal stage, the three-time British Rally champion lined up at the start of Moselland nine minutes late having repaired a technical problem on his car. He managed to maintain good pace to hold onto his second position even though he was hampered by another car which went off on Sunday’s first stage.
“We’re pleased with the result. The conditions were really tough but the rally worked out well in the end. We have lost the lead in the championship but there are still two rallies left to try and get it back!” commented the Irish driver.
After going off on SS4, the talented young German driver Christian Riedemann certainly wasn’t expecting to finish on the final podium. However, having rejoined the rally under Rally2 rules on Saturday morning, he matched the pace of the leaders and it gradually closed on Mohammed Al Mutawaa. After claiming the fastest time on the first run on Dhrontal, he managed to snatch third place from the Emirati driver.
“What a weekend! Obviously, we’re disappointed with this result at our home event, but we’re not giving up yet, however. We’ll be trying to win in France.”
Meanwhile, the winner of the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Selections said he was “thrilled with his first experience on tarmac in the DS3 R3”. He finished fourth in the Citroen Top Driver standings.
Quentin Gilbert rounded off the top five after a testing rally. Forced to retire after a technical problem before starting the second loop on Friday, the young man from the Vosges region rejoined on Saturday under Rally2 rules. Unfortunately, he hit a rock within the first few kilometres of Saturday’s first stage and had to retire for a second time. On Sunday, the winner of the 2012French Citroën Racing Trophy was hampered by a puncture. A rather unsuccessful weekend for the Frenchman, who was unable to hide his disappointment.
In the teams’ championship, Top Teams continue to head the standings, with a five-point lead over Charles Hurst Citroen Belfast.
Marek Nawarecki, Customer Racing Manager for Citroen Racing gave us his assessment of the weekend: “This first tarmac round has proven that the DS3 R3 can win on any surface. It has won the WRC3 category for the fourth time running. The DS3 R1s also produced some fine performances in winning their category. Our hearty congratulations to Julius Tanner and Jordan Berfa, who did especially well this weekend.”
