Seven weeks after securing a podium finish in Mexico, the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team returned to action.

– Hisham Ibrahim crowned 'King of the Street' at Yas Marina Circuit
– Schmid leads as Al Nabooda Racing close in on Porsche GT3 Cup

The three DS 3 WRCs driven by Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle, Mads Ostberg/Jonas Anderson and Khalid Al Qassimi/Chris Patterson took part in the Rally Argentina shakedown.

During this final test session before the start, Kris Meeke set the joint fastest time along with Sébastien Ogier: “It’s good to be back in the car. The shakedown went very well.

"The roads were pretty slippery on the first pass, the road surface was very dry, but it was better after that.

"The DS 3 WRC is working perfectly. We worked on the set-up so that the car is as balanced as possible on the most difficult stages. Some of the tests are very rough.”

Fourth fastest, Mads Ostberg is expecting a very tough event: “Each year, the roads at Rally Argentina have a number of hidden pitfalls. 

"But this time round, they look pretty daunting. It’ll be difficult for the cars and for the crews.

"The lines have been cut deep into the roads by the heavy rainfall. We’ll have to find the right pace and try to maintain it. It will be tricky to get the balance right.”

On his competitive return in the DS 3 WRC, Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi completed a series of runs in order to regain his bearings.

In the Middle East Rally Championship, he drives a DS 3 RRC: “I have to learn about everything. The handling is different, the engine is different and the transmission is different with the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles."

"So I am adapting my driving style. I’ll need to do 300 or 400 kilometres in order to feel comfortable. I’m going to gradually build momentum on this difficult rally.”

Rally Argentina gets underway today afternoon with a super special stage held at 7pm (local time, 2am UAE time) in San Luis.