virgivaughn: Kubica to contest WRC2 with Citroen

Robert Kubica Citroen WRC2 Robert Kubica will compete in the World Rally Championship’s WRC2 category this year driving for Citroen.

The ex-Formula 1 driver has chosen a season of rallying over circuit racing for his return to regular competition, having competed in a handful of rallies towards the end of last year including two in a Citroen C4 WRC.

Kubica will drive a Citroen DS3 RRC (Regional Rally Car) on seven WRC rounds this year.

The Pole will begin his season with the European Rally Championship’s Rally Canary Islands on March 21-23 before starting his WRC2 programme at Rally Portugal on April 11-14.

“I weighed up the different options before deciding this programme,” said Kubica. “I kept in touch with Citroen and both sides were keen to continue working together.

“I’m really pleased now to be able to return to top-level racing. Taking part in Rally Islas Canarias will be an interesting challenge for me.”

“I can’t wait to start, but I haven’t set myself any specific target. I still have a lot to learn and to improve I will need to rack up the miles on the stages.”

Citroen Racing team principal Yves Matton believes that the DS3 RRC offers the ideal starting point for Kubica’s rally career.

“I am especially pleased to have Robert as one of our drivers in 2013,” he said.

“Thanks to the support of his partners, we are in the process of putting together a programme that will enable him to improve in a car that offers similar handling to a World Rally Car.

“Robert’s determination is an example to us all and we are proud to associate Citroen Racing’s image with such a resolutely positive individual.”

Robert Kubica Citroen WRC2 Matton also thanked the FIA for its support after the governing body gave Kubica dispensation to drive with a paddle shift gearbox, due to the hand and arm injuries he sustained in a crash on the Ronde di Andora Rally in 2011.

The paddle shift, placed on the left of the steering wheel, has been specifically designed to have a slower shift to match the gearchange speed of a conventional RRC gearbox.