Robert Kubica today announced he will
tackle a seven round campaign in the WRC2 class of the WRC, driving a
Citroen DS3 RRC.
"I weighed up the different
options before deciding this programme. I kept in touch with Citroen
and both sides were keen to continue working together. I can't wait
to start, but I haven't set myself any specific target. I still have
a lot to learn and to improve I will need to rack up the miles on the
stages." he said.
Kubica already has semi-works Citroen
experience, having competed on two rallies at the end of last year in
a works-supported Citroen C4 WRC. On the Rallye Du Var, he dominated
the event, racking up a 5 minute lead before a pacenote error sent
him into the trees. He and co-driver Emanuele Inglesi both escaped
unhurt, but the C4 was nothing but a charred shell afterwards.
The Polish driver, who's 2011 crash
still causes him problems, will campaign a slightly modified Citroen
DS3 RRC, which stands for Regional Rally Car. The car will be
equipped with a paddle-shift system, but which will be sufficiently
slowed down to match the regulation 'gear stick' type change.
Citroen Racing boss Yves Matton praised
the FIA for allowing them to bend the rules a little in order to give
Kubica's injured arm a break. He also praised Kubica's
“determination” and referring to him as a “resolutely positive
individual”.
He said: "I am especially pleased
to have Robert as one of our drivers in 2013. Thanks to the support
of his partners, we are in the process of putting together a
programme that will enable him to improve in a car that offers
similar handling to a World Rally Car.”
The former F1 ace's full-time rally
career will begin on the Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés, 21-23
March. His WRC2 campaign will begin on the Rally Portugal, 11-14
April. He will compete on a number of ERC events as well as his WRC2
drive.
“I’m really pleased now to be able
to return to top-level racing. Taking part in Rally Islas Canarias
will be an interesting challenge for me.” he added.
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