Yves Matton has been appointed Citroën Racing Team Principal with effect from 5 January 2012. He takes over from Olivier Quesnel, who remains Peugeot Sport Director. Xavier Mestelan Pinon has been appointed as Deputy Principal, in addition to his position as Technical Director.

Reporting directly to Frédéric Banzet, the Citroën General Manager, Yves Matton’s task will be to ensure that Citroën Racing continues its winning ways. An exceptional 2011 season saw the Citroën Total World Rally Team collect ten victories and clinch its seventh Manufacturers’ title, while Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena racked up their eighth consecutive Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ titles.

Frédéric Banzet, Citroën General Manager, said: “I would like to thank Olivier Quesnel for the job he’s done in his four years as Citroën Racing Team Principal. Under his management, Citroën has won the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship titles every year with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena. Yves Matton’s task will be to maintain Citroën Racing’s high level of excellence.”