Citroen C3 endures a tough Turkey

Despite showing its potential, the Citroen C3 WRC – like many of its rivals – suffered in this weekend's brutal conditions at Marmaris Rally Turkey with its strength sorely tested by the constant damage caused by the incredibly rough stages.

Craig Breen was the quickest out of the blocks on Friday on the opening stage's and made it to the end of the morning loop in second place, just 6.3s behind the leader. Team mate Mads Østberg was third, 8.2s off the pace.

The Norwegian had in particular set the second fastest time on SS3, just 2.1s behind the championship leader over almost twenty-two kilometres. However, both crews then suffered the misfortune of picking up punctures during the afternoon loop.

Whilst Breen fell back to eighth position after two punctures, Østberg, still running fifth at the time, retired for the day when the rough conditions ended up breaking a suspension arm, afate which befell many WRC teams during the day

However, the roads proved to be even harder on Saturday's leg for the new generation WRCs, Craig Breen, who had climbed back up to sixth overall, had to retire from the rally after his car burst into flames and burned out. The rally ended on a more positive note on Sunday, however, with three consecutive second fastest times for Mads Østberg, whilst Khalid Al Qassimi secured a few manufacturers' championship points.