KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN JOINS CITROËN RACING WITH RED BULL GIVING WINGS

Since its establishment in 2008, the association between Citro?«n Racing and Red Bull has already reaped world titles for Citro?«n, S?©bastien Loeb and Daniel Elena in 2008 and 2009*, and the ties between the two companies are to be stepped up for next season. In addition to the Citro?«n Total World Rally Team-entered C4 WRCs of S?©bastien Loeb and Dani Sordo, a second team will also now run two C4 WRCs for Kimi R?¤ikk?¶nen and S?©bastien Ogier in the colours of Red Bull and Citro?«n.

The collaboration between Citro?«n and Red Bull, which dates back to the 2008 Rally Argentina (won by S?©bastien Loeb and Daniel Elena) and which has since harvested 15 other wins, is to be reinforced in 2010. As in 2008 and 2009, the two Citro?«n Total World Rally Team-run C4 WRCs will both sport the livery of the famous energy drink, and the defending World Champions have renewed their faith in S?©bastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Marti.

The deal will be extended in 2010 to include the two Citro?«n Junior Team cars that will compete in Red Bull's colours on 12 of the 2010 FIA World Rally Championship's 13 rounds, the exception being the Rally of New Zealand. These two Citro?«n C4 WRCs will be campaigned by Kimi R?¤ikk?¶nen/Kaj Lindstr?¶m and S?©bastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia.

Finland's Kimi R?¤ikk?¶nen, 30, who has won 18 Formula 1 Grands Prix, claimed the Formula 1 world crown in 2007, and contested several rallies in 2009 - including his home round of the WRC - said: “I always wanted to compete in rally, especially in the World Rally Championship at some point in my career. Thanks to Red Bull, I have the opportunity to drive the best car of the series with the Citro?«n C4. This is a new but very exciting challenge. For the moment we have a one-year contract and we will see how it goes for the future. I am really looking forward to testing the car and taking the start of the first rally.â€?

Citro?«n Racing Director, Olivier Quesnel added: "Red Bull's commitment and energy are a perfect fit for Citro?«n's ongoing thirst for victory. We will continue to count on S?©bastien and Dani to defend our world titles in 2010, and we will also be prolonging our association with S?©bastien Ogier who showed outstanding potential this year. Last but not least, it is with immense joy that we welcome Kimi R?¤ikk?¶nen to our ranks. We are very proud that he has chosen Citro?«n. In addition to the confirmation of these four crews, we will hopefully be able to announce other programmes over the coming weeks."