The events are open to all of Citroen’s two-wheel drive rally cars, including the C2-R2 MAX and the recently-unveiled DS3 R3, which claimed five class victories during its debut season last year, including third overall at the Rallye du Valais in Switzerland.
The cars will be using a selection of Pirelli’s asphalt and gravel tires, which are based on a technology that is similar to the tire that ran in the World Rally Championship from 2008 to 2010.
“These were extremely resistant tires, bearing a puncture rate of less than 0.02 percent over the three years when Pirelli was exclusive supplier to the series,” says motorsports director Paul Hembery.
The DS3 R3 will use the 17-inch RX and RE asphalt tire and a 15- inch K tire on gravel.
The R2 cars will use the same range of rubber, but the asphalt RX and RE tire will be the 16 inches in size.
Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will comprise the circuit.
The series gives drivers maximum flexibility by allowing them to mix and match events between different countries, with about 100 European rallies participating during the course of the season.
This year’s competition will get underway with the Rallye Torrie in Portugal and the Rallye Sunseeker in the UK, with both events taking place at the end of February over the same weekend.
“It’s a great pleasure and privilege for us to renew our association with Citroen in rallying,” says Hembery. “This time, Pirelli’s focus is on supporting the champions of tomorrow, who are set to learn their trade all over Europe thanks to the Citroen Racing Trophy.”
He says the series is “an excellent training ground that will ensure the future of the sport is in safe hands.”
Hembery points out that “rallying remains a key plank” of the tire maker’s racing program, “which is why we are particularly pleased to be present with Citroen in this exciting and innovative one- make series that will see our tires competing with up-and-coming talent on some of Europe’s most important international rallies.”
For more information, visit www.us.pirelli.com.
