Citroen wins the 2011 Rally Of Germany

It was in the last leg of the Rally Germany that the Citroën Total World Rally Team achieved its third one-two of the season. Julien Ingrassia and Sébastien Ogier obtained their first victory on tarmac in front of Daniel Elena and Sébastien Loeb. Citroën racked up its 78th success in the FIA World Rally Championship, becoming the manufacturer with the highest number of wins in the sport. The eighth victory of DS3 WRC beats its own record of successive wins. On the third day, the stages were laid out through the vineyards bordering the Moselle. The sky was filled with thick clouds as the crews left parc fermé in Trier. Weather forecasts have warned that rain would pour in the stages, and so the mechanics of the Citroën Racing changed the suspension settings and fitted Michelin Pilot Sport soft tires on the two works DS3 WRCs. There were only a few damp areas during the first stage, Dhrontal. Not wanting to take risks, the crews of the Citroën Total World Rally Team consolidated their lead over their rivals, falling behind by a few seconds in the process.
However, the next stage, Moselwein, became very wet. The two Sébastiens were able to avoid the traps in this sector, thanks to soft tyres selected. Ogier related that he stayed in the middle of the road and to avoid punctures, did not cut the apexes. “We’re nursing our lead while trying to stay concentrated,” he added. On the other hand, Loeb said that he was happy to drive. He narrated that since it seems like the rain is going to continue, they are going to keep the soft rubber for the second loop and the power stage. Loeb has the fastest time in stages 17 and 18, He was focusing all his attention on the final stage that awards bonus points. The seven-time international champion really went for it in the Trier streets and bagged three more points by setting the quickest time, while Ogier added two points to his record.