Yves Matton has revealed the identities of the five drivers he is talking to about seats at the Citroen factory team in 2014.
The Citroen Racing boss confirmed that his 2013 season drivers Mikko Hirvonen and Dani Sordo were under consideration, as well as three other names.
“No contracts have been signed, but I can tell you we have a shortlist of five drivers: Mads Ostberg, Kris Meeke and Robert Kubica as well as Dani and Mikko,” Matton told wrc.com.
Matton also confirmed that he had spoken to Thierry Neuville about a return to the squad he drove for in 2012 but that these discussions had ended.
He said the presence of the relatively inexperienced Ostberg, Meeke and Kubica on the list was part of a strategy to bring new talent into the World Rally Championship. “We want one driver with the new talent and that is why we speak to the drivers who have never won a rally or have not been in the WRC for a long time,” he said.
At least part of the squad is expected to be finalised before the final round of the season in mid November.
“I have not made my final decision for the moment. We are working on it but I hope to have one before Rally GB. I don’t think I will have the final answer about both drivers until the end of that rally,” explained Matton