Citroën to field just Sébastien Loeb Racing cars in final MAC3 at Losail

Citroën Racing have confirmed ahead of time their plans for the post-qualifying race at the Losail Circuit in Qatar next week, making the surprise decision to field all three of their independent drivers in the Manufacturers’ Against the Clock time trial event.

So far this season, Citroën have been the only manufacturer to alter their MAC3 line-up during the race weekends, with only two factory drivers entered for the season in José María López and Yvan Muller, and therefore having to use of Sébastien Loeb Racing’s independent entries to complete the minimum three-car requirement.

Meanwhile Honda and Lada have been able to use their three-strong factory driver line-up for each event, while Volvo haven’t been eligible as they only run two cars in the championship. Chevrolet are also not eligible, as the US manufacturer is not entered in the manufacturer’s championship.

Citroën Racing has stated that as a thank you for helping them to win their third consecutive manufacturers’ title, all three SLR drivers will take part in what will be Citroën’s last MAC3 time trial. This means Muller and López are effectively handed more time to prepare for the opening race, which takes place just six hours after the end of qualifying on Friday 25th November.

With the manufacturers’ title already decided, the move comes at little risk to Citroën, although it’s not likely to help their chances to equalise with Honda on the number of MAC3 victories this season, with Honda on six, Citroën on five and Lada yet to win an event.

It’ll also be the first time Grégoire Demoustier has taken part in the MAC3 event. So far only SLR drivers Mehdi Bennani and Tom Chilton have been nominated by Citroën throughout the season.