Jean-Joseph and the C2-R2 MAX head for Kielder Forest

The Citroen C2-R2 MAX has already got off to a winning debut on the all-asphalt Eger Rally in Hungary. Now, Simon Jean-Joseph, Jack Boyère and the rest of the PH Sport team will have to contend with the gravel stages of the Pirelli, the second event of the Citroen crew’s European programme this year.

The Pirelli Rally is one of the legendary events in the British Rally Championship, traditionally opening the series. The event takes place over two days in the north of England around the picturesque ‘Lake District National Park’, getting underway on Friday night. A total of 14 forest stages make up the itinerary (formed of seven stages, which are each run twice) and the combined competitive distance is 168.98 kilometres. Former winners of the event include stars such as Ari Vatanen as well as Alister and Jimmy McRae, not to mention the late Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

Although it will be difficult for them to join this prestigious list of winners, Simon Jean-Joseph and Jack Boyere are still approaching the event with a lot of enthusiasm. “I am very happy that the Citroen C2-R2 MAX’s gravel debut will come in England – in the epic Kielder forest that has been such a monument to motorsport in general and the RAC Rally in particular,” said Simon Jean-Joseph. Jack Boyère added: “I've already competed on some of these stages, on the 1995 and 1996 Rally Great Britain. One memory stands out from that last participation: there was a lot of snow, we were driving without studs, and our rally came to an end in Pundershaw – which was more than 50 kilometres long at the time – roof side down...”

Simon concluded: “For me it will be a question of discovering the rally and the terrain. I know that the local drivers, who are specialists in the region, will be very quick. From what Jack has said, I gather that the stages will be very quick, narrow and bumpy – with several blind corners. To make matters even more difficult, there are deep ditches on either side of the road just waiting to welcome you. There can be a lot of fog in the area and it rains regularly: all in all, it’s easy to see just what a challenge this event is! After our excellent performance in Hungary, our objective in Britain will be to claim victory once more in the two-wheel drive class.”

Alexis Avril, in charge of Citroen Sport’s customer competition department said: “Throughout the 2007 C2 Junior Experience we were able to see the capabilities of the Citroen C2-R2 on gravel. With the improvements made to the C2-R2 MAX, particularly in terms of engine power and suspension, the car should be even more competitive and able to challenge entrants in superior categories.”

Jean-François Liénéré, who looks after Citroen Sport’s customer competition programme commented: “British journalists and drivers will be able to get a precise idea of the potential and competitiveness of our car through this promotional exercise to demonstrate the car that we organising together with Citroen UK and Charles Hurst, our distributor of competition parts for Britain and Ireland.”

“Our goal is for Simon and Jack to repeat their victory in Hungary,” concluded Jean-François Liénéré. “The reliability of the Citroen C2-R2 MAX, its excellent balance, high levels of traction and ease of use – even in the most difficult conditions – will all help Simon Jean-Joseph, Jack Boyère and the entire PH Sport team achieve this objective.”

For the second year running, the Pirelli Rally marks the opening round of the C2-R2 Cup, organised by the British Rally Championship and Citroen Sport’s competition parts distributor, Charles Hurst.