Reigning champions Citroën have confirmed an unchanged driver-line up of José María López, Yvan Muller and Sébastien Loeb for the 2015 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) season, as well as a two-car independent entry for Sébastien Loeb Racing.
Having scooped all of the titles available to them in 2014, the team see no reason to change their tried-and-tested driver line-up for 2015, with new champion López continuing with the French team.
“We were completely satisfied with our drivers, and they didn’t have any thoughts of going elsewhere, so it was easy to sort out,” explained Team Principal Yves Matton. “José María López has had the perfect season this year, thanks to his unwavering commitment. He has blazed a trail for a new generation of drivers, but now he will have to defend his title, and he will be up against some highly motivated rivals, not least his own teammates.
“Despite his unflagging efforts throughout the year, Yvan Muller has really been short of success, and he is eager to start afresh next season and go after a fifth world title.
“After achieving his first race wins in the discipline this year, Sébastien Loeb will be looking to do even better next season. Switching from rallying to track racing was a huge challenge to take on, but he has already shown that he has all the qualities necessary to become one of the best drivers in the competition.”
Citroën add additional two cars for private Sébastien Loeb Racing
In addition to the three works’ cars, Citroën have also confirmed that they will supply two cars to the private team Sébastien Loeb Racing [SLR], which was established by their former multiple World Rally Champion.
“Since it was created, SLR has amassed real know-how at international circuits, in both GT and sports prototype racing,” explained Team Principal Loeb. “The FIA WTCC marks a new stage in the team’s development.
“I didn’t have to think for very long when the opportunity presented itself for the 2015 season. Since the new TC1s were introduced, the championship has been attracting more and more interest, and it’s great for Sébastien Loeb Racing to be involved.”
Matton adds that using long-time Citroën driver and ambassador Loeb as their first customer entry into the WTCC was a logical decision to make.
“Entrusting the two private Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs to SLR was an obvious choice,” added Matton. “The two cars will be good-as-new reconditioned 2014 chassis, complete with all the developments we introduce next season.”
Matton also hinted that 2014 works Citroën driver Ma Qing Hua could be a candidate for a complete season with SLR in 2015.
“It’s now up to the team to finalise its agreements as far as its drivers are concerned, but we are all working together to make it possible for Ma Qing Hua to continue his FIA WTCC career with Citroën. His performances have shown that he deserves the chance to race a full season in 2015.”