Citroen clinch manufacturers’ crown

The Citroen Total World Rally Team wrapped up the Manufacturers’ title for the fifth time this weekend following a one-two success for Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo in the Rally of Catalunya. Loeb’s victory over team-mate Sordo ensures that the 2009 World Rally Championship heads to the final rally in Wales with the Drivers’ title still undecided - Loeb now sits just one point off the lead.

Five points behind Championship leader, Mikko Hirvonen, at the start of the rally, Loeb’s dominant display throughout the weekend ensured the gap was narrowed to just a single point as the World Rally Championship makes its way to Wales at the end of the month. Loeb’s success in Spain was his sixth of the season, his fifth successive victory in the Rally of Catalunya and a record 53rd win of his career.

Sebastien Loeb commented, “It was important to come first and second here, not only to wrap up the Manufacturers’ championship, but also to keep our chances very much alive for the Drivers’ title. Everyone did a great job this weekend and both our cars ran perfectly.”

Dani Sordo, who finished just 12 seconds behind Loeb commented, “I am proud to have contributed to yet another world title for Citroen. The title is a result of a real team effort. You cannot disassociate the engineers, mechanics and everyone in the squad from today’s success.”

Citroen UK’s Managing Director, Gary Savage, commented, “As Citroen enjoys its 90th anniversary year, Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo have given us yet another reason to celebrate - a fifth FIA WRC Manufacturers’ title, further cementing Citroen's reputation in this sport. With Loeb in a fantastic position to make motorsport history and clinch an unprecedented sixth consecutive WRC Drivers’ title, the final round in Wales will definitely be the one to watch.”

The next event will be Rally Wales GB from 23rd – 25th October.