Citroen Xsara WRC: Pic of the Week
As we prepare to welcome a red Citroen back to rallying, here's a classic to get you in the mood
But it would probably be a long time before anyone mentioned the Citroen Xsara. Granted, it was winning at a time when rally cars didn't have to be homologated (and Sebastien Loeb appears to be a supernatural talent), but 28 rally victories and three Constructors' championships is no small achievement.
Now, as Citroen prepares for a full WRC return (it only entered a few 2016 events to develop the new C3), it seemed the right time to mark the Xsara's significance. Plus celebrate the fact that French rally cars always seem to look fantastic in tarmac spec.
This image is from the 2002 Tour de Corse, with tarmac legend Philippe Bugalski doing the driving. There are certainly plenty more Xsara pics around, but what appealed about this photo was the sense of speed and commitment in a static image; you just know that Bugalski is absolutely on it, a flat-out style that endeared him to so many fans. The portrait image comes from the Catalunya rally of the same year, with car and driver again looking very fast!
With the new C3, Citroen will be aiming for more titles to add to its enviable rally history. And, you would hope, a few more pictures like this. Can it succeed? Bring on Monte Carlo!
Traditional (4:3)
Computer widescreen (16:10)
TV widescreen (16:9)
Portrait (smartphone etc)
Lets hope more manufacturers return, and hopefully we can have cars that are just as iconic as in the past.
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