Lopez and Citroen excited before the start of the season

After 17 race victories and two world titles in their very first season in the competition, the Citroen team are ready to start a new WTCC campaign. The first round takes place in Argentina, the home country of World champion Jose Maria Lopez.

Pechito will be aiming to retain his crown, his teammate and runner-up Yvan Muller will be seeking to claim a fifth world title, while Sebastien Loeb, after finishing third in the overall standings last year, have a ambition to move to the next level and give his teammates a run for their money. Ma Qing Hua, racing a full programme for the first time, is dreaming of emulating Lopez’s success.

“It’s exciting to be starting title defence at my home circuit! Everyone who was at Termas de Rio Hondo last year saw how passionate the Argentinian people are about motorsport. Everyone will be behind me, at a track I know like the back of my hand. It is going to be vital to start the season well and if there is one place where I can do that, it’s here! Every year, the first round brings its fair ammount of challenges. I haven’t changed, but my rivals know all about me now, so they will have me in their sights“, said Lopez who won both races at Termas last year.

The Citroen team, which has placed its faith in stability, will be wanting to stamp its authority on the competition from the off.

“We haven’t done a lot of testing this winter. We had already worked on some changes to the cars which will be showcased at Termas and throughout the season. Citroen C-Elysee competing in Argentina have a new front suspension system and an altered aerodynamic setup. Each of our drivers has prepared in his own way. They all want to do the best they can and they all want to win! We are expecting fierce competition and our drivers will have to work together to make sure Citroen comes out on top. Our goals are simple: to do as well as we did in 2014 and retain our titles“, told Citroen’s Team Principal Yves Matton.