53 RallyRACC: The stars speak

09/10/2017

Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle (Citroën C3 WRC) now have their first victory at the RallyRACC in their track record, adding to the ones in Argentina 2015, Portugal and Finland 2016 and Mexico 2017. Citroën Racing also recovered its dominion in this round, where it already has 10 victories, being the constructor that has won the Spanish round the most times in the World Rally Championship, continuing with the nearly complete dominance by Sébastien Loeb between 2005 and 2012.

The second place achieved by Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (Ford Fiesta WRC) leaves them in an enviable position before the Rally of Wales Great Britain, the next round and second-to-last of the calendar, where they will probably secure the titles of Drivers and Constructors. Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Ford Fiesta WRC), third in this rally, are now second in the overall provisional classification of the World Championship.

Kris Meeke (Citroën C3 WRC), winner of the 53 RallyRACC
There has been some criticism for me and directed to the team, but we have continued to work, so this victory is especially nice after the difficult times we've had. The key to this win was Friday, where we were able to stay in the leading group. The C3 is something special on tarmac and allowed us to set very good times. I'm looking forward to get to Wales; it will be nice to head home with a win.

Sébastien Ogier (Ford Fiesta WRC), second in the 53 RallyRACC
I can't say that the title is safe, but this second place feels like a victory and it's a good step to the title. Everyone is asking about my future, but there are still two races to go and some talks. Now I want to win in Wales, as I do not want to go to Australia with a small gap and then have to open the road while fighting for the championship.

Ott Tänak (Ford Fiesta WRC), third in the 53 RallyRACC
Generally it's been a nice weekend, especially Friday when I did not expect to be so close, but it worked out nicely. The Citroën was in another league. For the rest of us it was quite tight. For sure I was doing my best. I couldn't make any mistakes because of the points. The championship [fight] is a new situation for me, I've never really been here before. It's a good motivation.

Yves Matton (Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT Director)
The whole team has been working during the summer so that the car could have the right performance and this victory is a huge motivation boost for all, as it showed what we are capable of doing.