Citroen starts 2009 with 1-2 finish as Loeb wins in Ireland

Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo started Citroen's 2009 World Rally Championship campaign in perfect style at the weekend as the two drivers led a one-two finish for the French manufacturer, while Citroen Junior drivers Chris Atkinson and Sébastien Ogier finished fifth and sixth.

Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena took control of the rally after the opening loop on Friday, as Sordo and Marc Marti followed in second. Following two days of uninterrupted heavy rain, they gradually pulled clear of their chasers, giving them the opportunity to make a more conservative tyre choice on the final day.

"Even though we weren't on the ideal rubber for the first loop, we were able to control from in front," commented the five-time World Champion. "Don't get me wrong; this weekend's win was no stroll. Given the delicate conditions, it was essential to have a car that was easy to drive and my C4 WRC was perfect from start to finish. Today's victory was obviously the best way possible to kick off this year's championship."

Dani Sordo followed his team-mate home in second place and was equally pleased with his result: "I'm very happy because coming second means that Citroen leaves Ireland with maximum Manufacturers' points, and it was great to have a perfectly trouble-free run, too. The conditions were very difficult, and going the full distance without making any mistakes was a challenge in itself! This result is a terrific confidence booster for the rest of the season."

Citroen Sport Director Olivier Quesnel was understandably delighted with Loeb and Elena's 13th consecutive asphalt rally win: "We had been hoping to start the season with a win, if only because the 2009 calendar features just 12 rounds, with only two on asphalt,” he commented. “There will be a high price to pay for any mistake this year. The fact that we are leading both championships after the season's curtain-raiser means we can go into the next event in a more relaxed frame of mind."

The next rally will be the snow-covered Rally Norway from 13-15 February.