[3] 2005 saw the Belgian join Citroën as co-driver for François Duval, together winning the season's closing rally in Australia.

[4] In 2008 Smeets made the decision to end his stint as a co-driver, but remained in rallying and subsequently became Team Manager for Citroën Racing, in a period which the French outfit claimed several Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships.

Seeking a new challenge Smeets moved to Germany to become Team Manager for Volkswagen Motorsport in 2012, ahead of their debut World Rally Championship entry in 2013.

[6] 2013 was a record breaking year for the German outfit, in which they secured the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships on first attempt and won 10 of the 13 rallies entered, hence ending Citroën's period of dominance.

[7] In 2021 he left VW and joined Formula One team Williams Racing as Sporting Director, reuniting with his old boss Jost Capito.