Citroën Racing will let all three Sébastien Loeb Racing drivers take part in the MAC3 time trial in this weekend’s World Touring Car Championship event in Qatar, as a gesture to the independent outfit.
It marks the first time that the manufacturer has opted to use an all-independent entry for the qualifying session, with Tom Chilton, Mehdi Bennani and Grégoire Demoustier to carry the flag for the marque.
Team Manager Dominique Heintz praised Citroën for their support during the team’s two years to-date in the WTCC so far.
“The relationship with Citroën Racing has always been excellent and we have worked very productively to achieve our common goals,” said Heintz. “The official team would win the overall title, and we would win the independents. There is a common synergy.
“Citroën has been a great help to us to evolve in the best conditions, so that our drivers can be the best performers. We can only thank them for their support since the beginning of our collaboration.”
Citroën have already secured the manufacturers’ title, so the gesture to SLR comes with no risk for the marque.