Mikko Hirvonen have been excluded from the results of Vodafone Rally de Portugal. The victory is for Mads Ostberg.
A report prepared by the FIA Technical Delegate issued to the event stewards stated the car’s clutch was “not in conformity with the Homologation Form A5733.”
The report also stated “the turbo (turbine wheel) fitted to car No. 2 appears not to be in conformity”. However, a stewards’ decision on this matter has been delayed pending the outcome of further examination and reports.

Xavier Mestelan-Pinon, Citroen Racing technical director and deputy team principal, said: “The scrutineers identified differences between the homologation sheet and two components: the clutch and the turbocharger. The Citroen DS3 WRC’s clutch mechanisms are homologated with lightening holes. Our supplier recently provided us with a batch of parts that were not perforated and one of them was fitted to the No.2 DS3 WRC [of Hirvonen]. These parts don’t provide any gain in terms of performance, as they are heavier than those, which are homologated. Regarding the turbocharger, which is a standard part on all World Rally Cars, the wheel turbine dimension exceed the maximum authorised. This difference comes from dilatation, as the wheel is subject to extreme temperature and rpm factors.”
Matton, the Citroen team principal, added: “We had no intention whatsoever to cheat and the decision appears out of proportion. Given the fact that the reported differences didn’t bring us any advantage, we’ve decided to appeal. At the moment, most of all I feel sorry for Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, who produced a superb performance on a particularly difficult rally. They really deserved their first win with us. All I can do, on behalf of the entire team, is offer my sincere apologies for this situation. I hope that Mikko and Jarmo will have the chance to top the podium again very soon.”

In the general classification first is Mads Ostberg second place for Evgeny Novikov and third for Petter Solberg.
In the championship standing Sebastien Loeb continue to lead with 66 pts followed by Petter Solberg with 62 pts.