Citroen ready for tougher challenge

Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo cruised to a one-two finish in Rally Monte Carlo, but Citroen Sport boss Guy Frequelin knows that the Swedish event will pose more of a challenge for the new C4.

"Our one-two in Monaco was a big boost for everyone at Citroen, but we haven't lost sight of the fact that Sweden is likely to be a very different story," said Frequelin.

Frequelin believes that the team were so strong in the opening event of the season because there was no snow on the stages, so he remains realistic going into the next two events in Sweden and Norway, which should have plenty of snow.

"We have to acknowledge that the conditions we faced on this year's Monte Carlo probably helped us finish first and second," he said.

"We are all on our guards because the Swedish Rally is not the Monte Carlo. The questions that still need answering are how the car will go on snow and how where it stands in terms of reliability."

A repeat of the team's Monte Carlo result is also unlikely because of Dani Sordo's lack of experience on snow, and Frequelin is not expecting the Spaniard to challenge for victory in Sweden.

"Given his lack of experience on snow, Dani shouldn't push too hard," said Frequelin.

"He absolutely needs to finish without making any mistakes to be sure of finishing in the points."