14 Jul 2019

INVALUABLE LESSONS FOR THE C3 WRC AND ESAPEKKA LAPPI

Having come to Estonia for a full-scale test session in preparation for Finland (1-4 August), Citroën Total World Rally Team took advantage of the rapid local stages (with the average speed reaching 141.4 kph in SS 14 - Saverna) to prepare calmly and methodically for what awaits them in the next round of the WRC in Jyväskylä.

While the team tried out various technical options (geometry, shock absorbers, differentials) on the C3 WRC, Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm gradually upped their performance levels in what was only their second appearance at the venue. They had their sights set on second spot at one stage, but fell victim to a loose tyre after hitting a bump on SS 13 and had to settle for third in the end. They also clocked the second fastest time, after the local boy Ott Tänak, untouchable in his car developed precisely for this kind of track.

REACTIONS FROM…

Pierre Budar, Citroën Racing Team Principal

"It was vital that we were clear about our objective this week: we could probably have vied for second place by optimizing our setup each time, but that wasn't our primary concern. Instead, we got some kilometres under our belt and made changes to the C3 WRC's setup each time we had the opportunity to do so. In that respect, this appearance was particularly instructive. We will now try to build on the lessons we have learned here between now and Finland."

Esapekka Lappi, Citroën Total WRT Driver

"It was a great rally, well organized, and excellent preparation for Finland. The stages here are certainly a little faster than at home, and the surface is softer too, but that enabled me to get re-accustomed to the sensations and techniques of driving at very high speeds. I felt confident at the wheel, and we now have a good setup base that we will try to fine-tune further in testing next week.”

FINAL PROVISIONAL STANDINGS

Tänak / Järveoja (Toyota Yaris WRC) 1:15:38.4
Mikkelsen / Jaeger (Hyundai i20 WRC) +1:03.5
Lappi / Ferm (Citroën C3 WRC) +1:27.1
Evans / Martin (Ford Fiesta WRC) +1:47.7
Breen / Nagle (Hyundai i20 WRC) +1:56.4
Märtin / Kraag (Ford Fiesta WRC) +3:55.1

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PRESS CONTACTS

Aurélie Lehe – Head of Communications & Marketing, Citroën Racing +33 6 79 50 21 13 – aurelie.lehe@ext.mpsa.com

Eric Bellegarde – WRC Press Officer +33 6 64 15 36 03 – ericbellegarde@hotmail.com

INVALUABLE LESSONS FOR THE C3 WRC AND ESAPEKKA LAPPI

Conceived as an opportunity to hone the C3 WRC's setup before three days of testing specifically for Rally Finland next week, Citroën Total World Rally Team's non-WRC appearance in Estonia served its intended purpose by yielding some invaluable lessons for the team.