Musical Chairs in WRC

French car giant PSA has announced that Peugeot and Citroën will leave the World Rally Championship (WRC) after the 2005 series. So far both brands have used Michelin tyres.

Citroën has been the most successful of the two teams this season and not only won the construction title, but also the drivers championship with Sébastien Loeb.

Next season the series, which had been dominated by Michelin tyres will see an increase in the number of teams using Pirelli as a supplier, but for how long? PSA’s announcement comes with the ink still wet on a contract between Peugeot and Pirelli. The Italian tyre manufacturer announced at the beginning of August that it would begin a new partnership with the Peugeot Team. Therefore, the problems caused by PSA’s departure will not only be felt by Michelin, but also Pirelli. Peugeot’s newly signed contract with Pirelli was originally due to last for the next three years, beginning in the 2005 season.