The early summer media mania has recently struck Citroen in full force, spreading doubts and rumours which Citroen Sport's team director Olivier Quesnel has been anxious to dispel. One of the most emphatic rumours was the story that Citroen Sport was about to abandon rallies in favour of DTM racing in Germany. Is there any truth in this? "The reality was that I went to watch the race at Hockenheim at the invitation of the DTM organisers on behalf of Citroen, to see what happens. For me the most important thing I wanted to discover concerned what they did in the field of promotion and marketing. I found there is a lot that rallying could learn from the way they do things. I am sure there is not enough global promotion for the world rally championship".

How does Citroen react to the new rules, currently under discussion, leading up to the new World Rally Car rules? "We are OK with the proposed regulations, and I think all the manufacturers are in unanimous agreement. It is not yet decide what will be the base car for the new formula for Citroen. By the regulations we must first make a regular Super 2000 car before we can progress to Super 2000 +'. This will happen during the year 2010. We will not make a Super 2000 car before then".

After so many years of close liaison with BF Goodrich, how does Citroen Sport react to the single supplier tyre rules, which means working with Pirelli? "So far there has been no problem. We are still a little anxious about the tyres to be used on tarmac when it is raining but I think there will be a solution for that. Certainly the FIA is aware of this worry".

What does Citroen Sport feel about the current state of the world rally championship, having just two major protagonists, Citroen and Ford? "In fact, we can look around at all the other championships, it is normal only to have two manufacturers fighting seriously for a title. Ferrari and McLaren in Formula 1, SEAT and BMW in WTCC, and so on. Every time just two manufacturers. Rallying is no different".

Many stories are floating around about the motivation of Sebastien Loeb. Do you think he really longs for a fifth title? "You can see what has been happening on this rally. He wouldn't be winning if he did not have motivation. Goodness knows how it would be if he drove like that if he didn't have motivation! There is no problem with him!"

Finally, how have you fitted into the shoes of your predecessor Guy Frequelin. Wasn't coming into this job rather daunting? "Have a look at me. Do I look as if it is all too much. Look at my smile. I am really happy!"

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