Exclusive Interview with Yvan Muller
02 Dec 2013

The dominance of Yvan Muller has been evident throughout the season.  In this exclusive interview with David Oliva responsible for YOKOHAMA Europe communications, he speaks about his thoughts on the Championship and the challenges ahead.

Q: Newly crowned Champion at the FIA WTCC and this is now your 4th title, how does it feel?

Feels very good indeed. Pleased to be Champion with 2 different manufacturers and since 8 years I have always been in the top four, so I am very happy.  To be also Champion in 2013 with a private effort also makes me really proud.

Q: What have been the most significant moments of this season for you? 

It was a very long winter for me.  We had big challenges as we did not have the funds to be on the grid till very late in the day.  We were short of budget and I really was not sure we could get into the entry list at all.

Q: What have been the main challenges?

To be able to work differently.  When you are with a manufacturer you have more breathing space in terms of possibilities and resources.  Testing is easier, if there is a problem or you damage the car it is totally different as a privateer.  You feel more limited.  At the same time although you have less money you have more ideas and you come up with alternative plans.

Q: How do you keep your motivation after winning so many times?

One cannot get fed up of winning.  To keep winning and the satisfaction of doing a good job is what keeps me motivated.

Q: Do you have specific training routines for fitness and stamina leading up to each season ? 

It is important for drivers to keep in good shape. During the summer I cycle quite a lot and during winter I do some uphill skiing for stamina and fitness.  Physically I train as much as I can, although it is not always possible.

Q: What is the challenge for you for the next season?

We have a big challenge for next season. There will be new technical and sport regulations and of course Citroen is a big manufacturer although I do not consider we are favourites but challengers.  Citroen has a lack of experience in WTCC and circuit racing, so we need to do all the testing we can now.  Even so, after six months of testing this will still be minimal compared to other teams with much more experience and this is very significant.    

Q: How do you see your partnership with Sebastien Loeb?

Of course he is a legend in Motorsports and he is analysing everything very well and I am sure that although he has no experience at WTCC he will learn very fast.  I share all my experience with all my team mates and for sure with Sebastien too.  We have to work together for the good of the team and then we will see were we go, but we need to help each other to then be able to compete at the highest level.

Q: Is success in Motorsports only down to good driving?

Not only. For me Motorsports is a truly team sport. Every part is important and you need to combine a good driver with a good engineer. Then you also need to combine with a good mechanic and good tyre engineers. It is the combination of everything that brings good results.

Q: What is your advice to young talent trying to make it into Professional Motorsports?

I would always say keep your focus on what you want to do.  Work hard and try more than the maximum.

Q: What do you think of the YOKOHAMA Tyres you use at WTCC?

We can be pleased with the YOKOHAMA tyres at WTCC.  It is important to have good tyres constantly. Everybody needs this and they need to be safe. In professional motorsports we go to the limit and sometimes even above the limit, that is why it is so important to have this reliable and quality tyre.

Q: Finally please tell us your wish for 2014?

To win with Citroen.