All three DS 3 WRCs set off on the
final day of Rally Finland with first on the road, Kris Meeke setting the third
fastest time, just ahead of Mads Østberg. After a long regroup, the crews
tackled this very fast stage for a second time in the final showdown where Kris
claimed a bonus point by grabbing the third best time. Mads Østberg was fifth
fastest on the Power Stage, securing his third podium finish of the season.
Meanwhile, Khalid Al Qassimi enjoyed an error-free rally.
At the finish
Kris commented: “In terms of competitiveness, we showed that we have progressed
compared with where we were last season here. The changes to the DS 3 WRC have
been very positive and we were able to get very close to the leaders. It’s
always frustrating when you don’t come away with a result, but the conditions
were particularly difficult this weekend. It was good to rejoin this morning
and score a point in the Power Stage. At the end of the day, there are lot of
positive points - and one small negative…”
For his part,
Mads Østberg was understandably ecstatic: “It’s been an excellent weekend for
us. Although we lost a bit of time at the start, we were able to find our
rhythm pretty quickly. We showed that we could be competitive and set some good
times throughout the rally. I’m very happy to finish on the podium. It was
really great fun. And that’s also why I’m a rally driver. I love my job!”
There were
encouraging words too from Yves Matton (Citroën Racing Team Principal): “We
let our drivers decide on their own strategy for this weekend. They showed
their ability to drive very fast on these roads, which are regarded as
something of a benchmark in the World Championship. Both Kris and Mads showed
that they were capable of being among the frontrunners in Finland with the DS 3
WRC. The work done by the entire team has clearly paid dividends. Kris’ mistake
does not call this approach into question. Both drivers will be able to decide
upon their own tactics in Germany and in Australia. Another podium finish is
also further proof that the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team is making
progress and it gives us confidence for the rest of the season.”
Final Provisional Overall Standings:
1. Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila
(Volkswagen Polo R WRC) 2:33.03.8
2. Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia (Volkswagen Polo R WRC) +13.7
3. Mads Østberg / Jonas Andersson (DS 3 WRC) +1:36.8
4. Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai i20 WRC) +3:58.7
5. Ott Tanak / Raigo Molder (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4:29.3
6. Juho Hänninen / Tomi Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4:44.3
7. Martin Prokop / Jan Tomanek (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +6:20.3
8. Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm (Skoda Fabia R5) +7:11.2
9. Pontus Tidemand / Emil Axelsson (Skoda Fabia R5) +8:52.2
10. Lorenzo Bertelli / Lorenzo Granai (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +9:37.4…
2. Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia (Volkswagen Polo R WRC) +13.7
3. Mads Østberg / Jonas Andersson (DS 3 WRC) +1:36.8
4. Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai i20 WRC) +3:58.7
5. Ott Tanak / Raigo Molder (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4:29.3
6. Juho Hänninen / Tomi Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4:44.3
7. Martin Prokop / Jan Tomanek (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +6:20.3
8. Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm (Skoda Fabia R5) +7:11.2
9. Pontus Tidemand / Emil Axelsson (Skoda Fabia R5) +8:52.2
10. Lorenzo Bertelli / Lorenzo Granai (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +9:37.4…
17. Khalid Al Qassimi / Chris Pattersson (DS 3 WRC) +16:20.7
18. Kris Meeke / Paul Nagle (DS 3 WRC) +21:39.7…
