Loeb pays tribute to Bugalski

Citroen drivers in the FIA World Rally Championship are using ADAC Rallye Deutschland to pay tribute to Philippe Bugalski, who gave the firm its first victory in the WRC but lost his life in a fall at his home earlier this month.

Bugalski, who won two world championship rounds during his career, played a key role in developing Citroen rally cars over the years.

Loeb, whose Citroen DS3 WRC is carrying a sticker with the words ‘Bonne route Bug’, said: “He played a big part in testing the Citroen cars and also doing the shakedowns before the rallies. In France he was a very successful driver but he was also a very nice guy and we were all very sad when we heard the news. We can do nothing now but this sticker is a way to pay our respects.”

Bugalski won Rallye Deutschland in 2001, the year before the event was elevated to WRC status.