Duval Expects to Return in Greece
Francois Duval reckons he will return to Citroen this season despite being dropped by Citroen for next week's Rally of Turkey, according to this week's Autosport magazine
Duval will be replaced by double-champion Carlos Sainz, after the troubled Frenchman crashed in three of his first six rallies with the team.
But Duval reckons he will be back in the saddle by the next round of the championship.
Duval said: "I'm sure I will come back with Citroen in Greece. I don't know if Citroen will take a different driver but there aren't many young drivers out there."
The 24-year old admitted he was surprised by the decision and feels pressure may have been exerted on team principal Guy Frequelin.
"I was surprised by the decision. Maybe it was the decision of the boss, Mr Satinet [Claude Satinet Citroen's director general]. Mr Frequelin understands the driver, he was in rallying a long time ago.
"It hasn't been easy, I have tried to stay on the road on every rally and Guy understands that, but I believe Mr Satinet is not really happy."
About this article
| Series | WRC |
Why the casualty of rallying's evolution should still be cherished
The WRC's support categories are in a process of streamlining that will spell the end of a formalised 2WD world championship-level category. While its relevance to the top level has been questioned for some time, that doesn't mean it should be swept quietly under the carpet
Why WRC's hybrid path could leave it at a crossroads
With all three major manufacturers committing to the World Rally Championship’s hybrid era from 2022, the future of the series is assured for now, but it could lead to trickier twists and turns further down the road
How Tanak froze out the competition at the Arctic Rally
Ott Tanak made up for a disastrous Monte Carlo Rally by leading all the way on the snow-kissed stages of the Arctic Rally Finland and in the process hit back at an event Toyota had been expected to dominate
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
This week's Arctic Rally Finland will bring the World Rally Championship into new territory. And, almost without exception, the service park can't wait for the subzero challenge to commence
How Ogier achieved a fitting Monte Carlo farewell
Against pandemic-shaped odds, the World Rally Championship season opener went ahead in Monte Carlo last weekend as a familiar face again took top spot. But for an emotional Sebastien Ogier, his record-breaking eighth win meant more than most
What to look out for in the 2021 WRC
As the 2021 World Rally Championship prepares to launch amid tight COVID-19 restrictions in Monte Carlo, here are the eight things unrelated to the pandemic that you should keep an eye on this year
Evans on the talking points of WRC 2021
He came close to the title last year, and now Toyota's Elfyn Evans gives his verdict on what to expect from 2021 as the World Rally Championship prepares to reconvene for the Monte Carlo season opener
Why Britain's continued WRC absence is a wake-up call
OPINION: With Rally GB dropping off the World Rally Championship calendar for the second year in a row, one of Britain's best-attended sporting events faces an uncertain future. It's an unfortunate situation that points to troubling times ahead
