That there was never a proper rally-inspired road car (the special editions don't count) from Citroen to celebrate its WRC success with the C4/Loeb dream team remains a mystery. That's not strictly relevant to these images of the new C3 WRC car, but it warranted a mention again. Maybe if this is successful...
This previews the new road car too
Now we'll understand your initial scepticism of this news, what with the general apathy towards international rallying at the moment. However, new rules for the 2017 season aim to inject a little more drama into the sport and this Citroen is our first look at it. In fact it marks Citroen's official return to the sport.
The first point of interest is the bodywork. This C3 is 55mm wider than the DS3 that has competed, with greater "aerodynamic freedom" permitted and much more aggressive bodywork. See for example the gigantic rear wing, the massive rear arches and the front spoiler that juts with intent from beneath the grille. Don't forget the roof scoop too; racing cars are automatically cooler with a roof scoop.
There will be more power in the WRC too, this C3 said to be producing 380hp thanks to a 36mm booster flange (stop laughing at the back). It's also 25kg lighter than before and there's a new centre diff as well. That all sounds like good news to us!
The testing was completed by Citroen's test driver Alexandre Bengue, plus Kris Meeke and Craig Breen. They were driving at Chateau de Lastours and Fontjoncouse, the rocky stages hopefully representative of what the car will face in certain rallies next year.
In a very jolly press release, Citroen Racing tells us to "Watch this space!" for further details, so that's just what we'll do. But with the return of Toyota as well as Citroen to the series, the signs are encouraging for the WRC.