JRC: Citroen pushes to the 'MAX' with new C2-R2.

Citroen Sport revealed its latest car that will be eligible for the FIA Junior Rally Championship - and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge last weekend in Corsica.

The C2-R2 MAX is an evolution of the current C2-R2, which was unveiled in December 2005 and made its competition debut the following month on the Monte Carlo Rally.

Although the C2-R2 has already carved out a name for itself not only at world level, but also in a variety of national championships, as well in this year's IRC and ERC series with Simon Jean-Joseph at the wheel, the 'MAX' is better in a number of areas and features a more powerful engine, enhanced suspension performance and improved braking.

"All the changes that have been introduced are a step in the right direction," noted Jean-Joseph, who did the early test work with the C2-R2 MAX. "You could have fun with the C2-R2, but the MAX takes you to a new level. It has much more of a competition pedigree.

"You can tell that at once, if only because of its suspension which is remarkable for a car of this size. Its ability to soak up the terrain is amazing. There is also plenty of scope to play with the set-up and that is sure to go down well with drivers.

"The new hydraulic power steering is nice and responsive, while the engine is more powerful, and that's something all drivers ask of a car. The fact that brake servo has been dropped should lead to greater stopping power, a better feeling when braking and the ability to left-foot brake.

"The car is also beneath the minimum weight, so owners will be able to position ballast as they see fit. The new C2-R2 MAX marks a break from the production car and stands out as the best in its category."

Citroen Sport's customer competition manager Yves Matton meanwhile is also delighted with the C2-R2 MAX: "We are extremely pleased with the C2-R2's results to date but our next step was to turn our attention to drivers with higher ambitions. Citroen's answer takes the form of the C2-R2 MAX which is a more advanced evolution of the R2," he continued.

"Throughout its development the objective of our technicians was to produce the most competitive car possible in its category. At the same time, they sought to incorporate two important and in dissociable parameters: exploiting the R2 regulations to the full and keeping the budget required to run a car as low as possible.

"C2-R2 MAX is a more advanced package which builds on the intrinsic qualities of the C2 Challenge and R2. Citroen Sport's technical staff have erased the shortcomings of its predecessors and developed its strong points. Competitors campaigning the C2-R2 MAX on asphalt should be able to set times close to those of R3 runners from the next class up.

"The C2-R2 MAX epitomises the philosophy promoted and applied by Citroen and promises to be the most competitive car of its category in terms of both budget and performance."

The new C2-R2 MAX will be homologated by the FIA - the sports governing body, on January 1 next year, the day the new Group R - 'R' for 'Rally' - regulations are due to come into effect.

Group R cars will form the base of a pyramid that extends via Super 1600, Group N and Super 2000 to the WRC machines that represent the peak. The new formula is founded on strict technical rules and a desire to keep costs to a minimum.