Citroën enters British Manufacturers Rally Championship

by Tom Stajduhar · February 21, 2012

Citroën UK has registered for this year’s MSA British Manufacturers Rally Championship, joining Renault as the second UK importer to support this premier rally series.

Citroën’s involvement goes further towards making the BRC’s move back to two wheel drive a direction that should create a renewed buzz and is welcomed by Championship Manager Mark Taylor;

“It’s great that Citroën, with such a strong rallying pedigree, has joined the Championship, and we look forward to working more closely with them going forward.

We recognised the commercial realities currently faced by car manufacturers and their dealerships and specifically created a British Championship to attract UK importers by reducing the usual barriers and high cost of entry. We are providing them with a platform to promote products that relate to what is being sold in the showroom. We are also offering them high quality media products and a chance to engage in rally themed dealer events. Importantly, they will have a stakeholder status in the future of this world renowned motor sport series.”

The news comes as the opening round, Rallye Sunseeker International, draws ever closer and Citroën UK is well represented, with the number one seed, Finnish ace Jarkko Nikara, driving the fabulous Citroën DS3 R3T. Two other BRC registered crews, Northern Ireland’s Desi Henry will be joined by Welsh youngster Osian Pryce campaigning their DS3’s for the first time on this weekend’s opening round, Rallye Sunseeker.

Citroën UK Communications Director Marc Raven said;

“We are very pleased to be supporting the MSA British Rally Championship as an official manufacturer for the 2012 season. With our strong rallying pedigree, we hope the BRC will increase the opportunity for Citroën to find the next Sébastien Loeb and promote the award-winning DS3 in the UK. The concept of privateers scoring points for their chosen marque should promote competitive brand loyalty and add media exposure afforded by proactive manufacturers like Citroën.” concluded Taylor.

Citroën’s assault on the 2012 championship is expected to be further bolstered by another pair of DS3s from round two next month.