Mads Østberg’s fourth place finish in Rallye Monte-Carlo positioned the Norwegian as ‘best of the rest’ behind Volkswagen’s podium lockout.
The Citroen driver set a consistent pace throughout in a 2014-specification DS 3 WRC, and only a double dose of engine problems prevented him from getting close enough to Andreas Mikkelsen to mount a challenge for third.
“On Saturday we had some engine problems and had to stop in Sisteron. We had the same engine problem again on Sunday and had to stop in the Power Stage. It’s a little bit of a shame to lose maybe 45sec because of the engine when you see the gap to third, but that’s how it is.
“It was a good first rally, but difficult since the beginning. I think we managed well, we were very stable and set some really good stage times. We did what we came here to do, so I’m pleased with that,” he said.
After handing over the 2015-specification DS 3 to Sébastien Loeb for his guest appearance, Østberg is looking forward to driving it in competition for the first time at Rally Sweden next month.
“I have been testing it so I know it’s a good step in the right direction. I’m looking forward to more testing and then to seeing what we can do on the rally,” he added.