Volvo would have liked Citroën to stay, but withdrawal will have no effect on their programme

Polestar Cyan Racing have said that Citroën’s announcement will have no bearing on their WTCC plans, with the Swedish manufacturer embarking on a multi-year programme from next year, meaning the two brands they’ll compete for just one year on the track together.

Volvo are disappointed however that they will not get to compete against the French manufacturer, which has been the one to beat in their first two years in the championship.

“We see Citroën in the context that they have been on top level international FIA championships for more than 10 years. From that perspective there are not many manufacturers that have done a longer stint than them, and if they chose to take a pause, we cannot blame them,” said Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin to TouringCarTimes, head of motorsport at Polestar.

“While we would of course have liked Citroën to stay longer in the championship, their announcement does not affect our plans in any way.”

Although Citroën’s evaluation of whether to compete in the World Rally Championship or World Touring Car Championship has seen the brand chose WRC for the long term, Murdzevski Schedvin still believes the WTCC is the right programme for Volvo.

“All manufacturers chose their motorsport programmes after a certain set of needs that change over time,” he added. “While the WRC might be the suitable platform for Citroën after 2016, the WTCC is the ideal one for us.”