Citroën celebrates 60 years of DS with new WRC livery

Sixty years ago, Citroën DS was born, and French marque thought we would like to be reminded of that. And they were right. In this office, there is a lot of love for the original DS, so naturally, I also love what Citroën did with their 2015 livery. I am not sure if this livery is supposed to be a one-off for Monte Carlo only, or will they use it in other events as well. I do like the subtle changes in overall design, as well as sticking with the known and recognizable colours, such as red and gold. There are other design changes on the car, such as rear wheel arches as well as the new bigger rear wing. DS3 WRC is a weapon, and we can only hope those who wield it will know better how to use car’s huge potential. Perhaps what Mads Ostberg and Kris Meeke need is another lesson from Sebastien Loeb, so it’s a happy coincidence (ha!) that old maestro is taking part in Monte Carlo Rally. But I am kidding, I don’t think Mads or Kris would even have a job at Citroën if team thought they need more lessons from anyone. What they need is a solid and consistent season, even though that’s easy to say. Pressure will be high on both drivers, but maybe that’s exactly what they need.

Citroën also have two new partners, but I’ll let their press announcement talk about that. Much like Hyundai, I like the way Citroën is pushing with their programme – 2014 wasn’t easy for them, but if anything, we know this team can win and win a lot. In 2015 I am sure we’ll see a fair bit of that old winning spirit.

NEW LIVERY FOR THE DS 3 WRC

Unquestionable star of the 1955 Paris Motor Show, the Citroën DS is celebrating its sixtieth birthday this year. As a nod to this landmark anniversary, the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT DS 3 WRCs are to feature exclusive decals starting at this month’s Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. Simplified to provide greater legibility, the white, red and gold livery includes an imposing “60” spread across the rear wings.

The start of the new World Rally Championship season also sees the arrival of two new partners. Official WRC timekeeper since 2013, Certina will feature on the bodywork of the cars and the overalls of the crews. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg will also wear watches made by the famous Swiss brand.

Already heavily involved in motorsport, the automotive equipment manufacturer Sparco becomes an official Citroën Racing supplier. This transversal partnership covers all of the series in which the Brand is competing, including WRC, WTCC and customer racing.

“We’re very pleased that prestigious partners like Certina and Sparco share our passion and have decided to pledge their support to us,” commented Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal. “We hope to defend their colours very successfully throughout the world, on some of the planet’s most beautiful and most difficult roads.”

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