World Touring Car Championship still expects new makes for 2014

The FIA announced last December that it intended to open up regulations and allow more powerful, aero-dependent cars on the grid for 2014.

While AUTOSPORT understands the new regulations have been written and all but finalised, new manufacturers are also needed to ensure a successful implementation.

Citroen confirmed as long ago as September last year that it was evaluating an entry with nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb, but is yet to commit. Kia, Renault and Subaru are all understood to also be interested.

Teams estimate a minimum of nine months would be needed to design, build and properly test a new chassis, meaning manufacturers would need to commit to working on new projects by June at the latest.

"OK, Citroen everybody knows, it is public that they are interested to come next year," Lotti told AUTOSPORT.

"They are working on this project and with the FIA for the technical specifications, and everything is proceeding.

"I don't know if and when they decide to make it official, but they have confirmed their interest; this is clear.

"The working group that the FIA established with the manufacturers, for the evolution of the regulations, is set up.

"Everything has been fixed; we don't need more work on the technical details. Manufacturers know all the technical specifications, now they need to start work developing the car."

Lotti added that Honda's success - which included a clean sweep of the podium in only its third event as a full manufacturer - was an effective advert for what new entrants could hope to achieve.

"Honda demonstrates to other manufacturers that if you work properly you can arrive in the championship and be successful," he explained.

LOEB AWAITING CITROEN GREEN LIGHT

Loeb, competing in the Porsche Supercup at Barcelona, said he is waiting for the Citroen board to approve the WTCC project.

"The plan next year is to go into WTCC, but for this I need experience," he said. "The Supercup is a nice category and I had the opportunity to drive here [Spain], so I was happy to do it."

Asked about Citroen's WTCC progress, he added: "That's a good question. I don't know - I'm waiting for the answer.

"We're starting to work around it and things are going on. Now we wait for [the board's] decision."