Citroën joins 2014 Australian Rally Championship with DS3-R3

Citroen DS3-R3

Citroën Australia has announced that it will entre a factory-supported two-car team in the 2014 Australian Rally Championship.

Team Citroën Australia will race two specially prepared DS3-R3s in the 2014 ARC. One car will be driven by Tony Sullens with co-driver Julia Barkley and the second car will be driven by Adrian Coppin and co-driver Tim Batten.

“Citroën has a great heritage in rallying, especially in the World Rally Championship, with eight manufacturer’s wins and nine driver’s championships with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena,” said Citroën Australia general manager, John Startari.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to extend this to local rallying with our entry into the ARC. This is the first time Citroën Australia has had a factory backed team in the event and this gives Citroën Australia the opportunity to prove the quality and reliability of our cars in the tough sport of rallying.”

Citroen DS3-R3-1

Both drivers have a history within rallying. Sullens has been competing in various rallies since 2000 and won Targa Tasmania in 2007. Coppin started competing in 2008 and also has a few class wins under his belt.

“It is with a great deal of pride and satisfaction that we have been able to make this project a reality,” said Team Citroën Australia, Team Principal, Ron Cremen.

“With the support of Citroën Australia, Citroën Racing and Fibertech Medical Australia, our team of youth and experience looks forward to the demanding challenges of the 2014 Australian Rally Championship in the DS3-R3.”

Team Citroen Australia

Cremen also has a history in rallying. He is currently team manager for the Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team competing in the 2013 World Rally Championship.

As part of the ARC program, Citroën Australia will introduce an apprentice scheme allowing Citroën mechanics the opportunity to be involved in a race team environment.

The French marque’s participation in the event is part of its growth plan for the brand in Australia.

Check Also

Citroën unveils new C5 Aircross SUV

Citroën has taken the wraps off its new C5 Aircross SUV which will make its …