Pepe Oriola’s 2014 fate rests with Citroën

Pepe Oriola says his career in the WTCC is hanging in the balance, with a works drive with Citroën the only way he believes he can stay in the Championship next year when new cars are introduced.

The 19-year-old Spaniard took his first win of his career at Marrakech back in April, and became a regular podium finisher in the final half of the season after acquiring the spare Chevrolet Cruze of RML, used by Alain Menu last season, including some strong and sometimes controversial drives.

With Honda and Lada’s programmes for 2014 finalised, and the price tag of the privateer Chevrolet Cruzes being built next year by RML being higher than most drivers’ budgets, Oriola says his only chance is the third, as yet vacant seat at Citroën Racing alongside Sébastien Loeb and Yvan Muller.

“I introduced myself to (Citroën Racing team principal) Yves Matton at the Rally Catalunya, I said I’m young, I have three years experience in the WTCC, and I don’t have anything for next year as the budget’s gone to high. After the weekend he’s put me on the list for consideration for a test,” said Oriola to TouringCarTimes.

“It makes sense to stay in the WTCC. The Chevrolet’s not an option as I don’t have that budget, so I hope to be with a manufacturer, if it’s not possible we’ll stay out of WTCC and I can come back the next year, I’m still young.”

So far, José María López is considered the favourite to land the third permanent seat at the French marque’s team next year. The Argentinian has already tested the car at Valencia and Monza. The 30-year-old has a provisional deal to continue racing for the Equipo Petronas Fiat squad next season in the Argentinian Super TC 2000 Championship, but it’s believed this can be waived or reduced to a partial season if López and Citroën agree a programme for 2014 in the WTCC.