The 2016 World Touring Car Championship season kicks off in a week’s time at the Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France, and despite being the all-conquering Citroën team’s home race, drivers Yvan Muller and José María López expect it could be difficult to stay ahead carrying an unprecedented 80kg of compensation weight.
“I wouldn’t be here if I don’t think so,” said Muller. “My age doesn’t go on my side but I will do my best and we will see what happens…but I think the full season will be complicated for us because I am sure the level of the championship will be another step up.”
Although the drivers are cautious, with Citroën having put on a strong showing in the official pre-season test in Vallelunga, team principal Yves Matton is still expecting the team to be on the top step of the podium in Paul Ricard.
“Results in testing aren’t the be-all and end-all, but it is worth noting that we did clock the seven fastest times over eight sessions in Vallelunga,” said Matton. “That was doubtless no accident, but testament to the work the whole team put in over the winter. I hope we leave the Paul Ricard Circuit with a convincing result: in other words, a win.”