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The DS 3 WRCs ring the changes on their return to action in Europe with new livery and modified aerodynamics. Rally de Portugal also boasts a new format this year, as it moves to the north of the country. The base is now located in Matosinhos, just next to Porto.
After two successful rounds in Mexico and Argentina, collecting a win and two runner-up spots, the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team returns to Europe for round five of the World Championship.
For the 2015 edition, Rally de Portugal heads back to the north of the country. After spending ten years in the Algarve, Porto becomes the base for the Portuguese round again. The rally therefore returns to its roots and a region that has played host to some of its finest moments.
Alongside Mads Østberg and Kris Meeke, Khalid Al Qassimi will be competing in his second WRC event in 2015.
The DS 3 WRCs were treated to an initial set of developments ahead of Rallye Monte-Carlo. Revised engine, gearshift controls, rear suspension geometry and rear spoiler: these new parts have helped the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team enjoy a remarkable first third of the season.
Further developments are being introduced at Portugal, with redefined aerodynamics on the front end. The new bumper and redesigned wings will provide greater vertical load on the front axle, whilst also reducing the drag coefficient. All of this comes with a new-look livery, which emphasises the dynamic feel of the DS 3 WRCs.
Currently second in the manufacturers’ standings, the team is most definitely on an upward trend. Second in Mexico and Argentina, Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson also lie second in the World Championship standings. Their rich vein of form may well continue in the country where they won their first WRC rally. Fifth in the overall standings, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle arrive in Portugal still basking in the glory of their first top-level win. As regards Khalid Al Qassimi, he came close to his best-ever result in the WRC at Rally Argentina in finishing sixth. His recent podium finish in Iran also enabled him to consolidate second place in the Middle East Rally Championship.
Stéphane Lefebvre, as ever alongside co-driver Stéphane Prévot, will be competing in the third round of his FIA WRC2 season. He’ll be looking to learn about this new event in his DS 3 R5 and hopefully score some points.
And if you missed the Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team new livery:
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