RAIKKONEN GOES RALLYING WITH CITROEN IN 2010
2009-12-05 12:39:12 Author: admin Source:
Since its establishment in 2008, the association between Citroen Racing and Red Bull has already reaped WRC titles for Citroen, Sebastien Loeb in 2008 and 2009*, and the ties between the two companies are to be stepped up for next season.
In addition to the Citroen Total World Rally Team-entered C4 WRCs of Loeb and Dani Sordo, a second team will also now run two C4 WRCs for Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastien Ogier in the colours of Red Bull and Citroen.
Raikkonen, therefore, switches from Formula One to Rally, Ferrari to Citroen, and the Finn is not planning on retiring from Motorsports just yet. The Finn’s record in F1 is commendable with 18 Grand Prix victories which include the 2007 crown.
In rallying, the Iceman has contested several rallies in 2009 - including his home round of the WRC this season.
He commented on his appointment at Citroen, "I always wanted to compete in rally, especially in the World Rally Championship at some point in my career. Thanks to Red Bull, I have the opportunity to drive the best car of the series with the Citroen C4.”
“This is a new but very exciting challenge. For the moment we have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future. I am really looking forward to testing the car and taking the start of the first rally," he added.
The collaboration between Citroen and Red Bull, which dates back to the 2008 Rally Argentina (won by Sebastien Loeb) and which has since harvested 15 other wins, is to be reinforced in 2010.
As in 2008 and 2009, the two Citroen Total World Rally Team-run C4 WRCs will both sport the livery of the famous energy drink, and the defending WRC Champions have renewed their faith in Loeb and Sordo.
The deal will be extended in 2010 to include the two Citroen Junior Team cars that will compete in Red Bull's colours on 12 of the 2010 World Rally Championship's 13 rounds, the exception being the Rally of New Zealand. These two Citroen C4 WRCs will be campaigned by Raikkonen and Ogier.
