RML thank Yvan Muller following a great four years

British-based World Touring Car Championship squad RML have thanked Yvan Muller on the eve of his departure to Citroën for the 2014 WTCC season, whom has taken two titles for them with Chevrolet and is set to claim the title for a third time this year.

“Naturally everybody at RML will be sorry to see Yvan go at the end of this year – he has been a key supporter and a perfect ambassador for RML over the very enjoyable years that we have worked with him,” said RML CEO Ray Mallock. “However, we appreciate this will not have been an easy decision for him to make and we fully support Yvan in his move and wish him the best of luck for the future.”

“This season has been a real challenge for the team. Targeting an FIA World Championship title without the benefit of a works programme is really tough, so I am tremendously proud of our achievements so far – with Yvan leading the Drivers’ Championship and with Tom (Chilton) settling in quickly to a new environment. We’ve amassed an impressive set of results thus far, and both drivers are a real credit to the team. Our customer teams have also savoured victory this year which again proves that we design and build to win and deliver for our partners.”

RML have yet to confirm their plans for 2014, with this year’s programme only just coming together at the last minute. The touring car powerhouse has been linked to a number of manufacturers earlier in the year but could now compete with an upgraded or new specification Chevrolet Cruze in 2014 continuing as an independent operation.

“Our short term goals are clear; we are focussed on ensuring our 2013 campaign ends on a high note, with another pair of Championships for Yvan and for the team – who I know will be fully committed to achieving this objective until the final race in Macau. In the longer term RML Group will continue to bring success in which ever formulae it competes in, and, whilst we hope to return to the new-specification 2014 WTCC, one way or another.”

Leaving for his third different manufacturer in his WTCC career, after four years with and four years with Chevrolet/RML, Muller added:

“This has been a very difficult decision for me to make. RML has allowed me to win many races and conquer two World Championship titles. We’ve worked incredibly hard together for the past four seasons and these have been years of great personal satisfaction for me. RML is a truly professional team and one that I shall not forget. I would like to thank everybody in the factory for giving me your confidence and I hope that our successes together over the years have put RML firmly on the sporting map.

“As for the remaining races, my motivation continues just as strong and I can assure colleagues and friends at RML and LUKOIL that I will, as always, put every effort in to achieve the success that we all hope for and expect by the end of what has been an incredible season.”