Peugeot's WRX recovery plan

In the exclusive interview that we offer you in issue 2135 of AUTOHebdo, currently available in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks, Jean-Marc Finot, director of PSA Motorsport (entity bringing together the sporting activities of Peugeot and Citroën) looks back at the hot issues of the lion brand for the years to come: le renunciation of the Dakar beyond 2018, the end of the track Endurance et strengthening commitment to the world rallycross championship.

Concerning this last case, Jean-Marc Finot explained the continuation of the program in World RX. A spectacular and trendy discipline, closer to the younger generation than other competitions. “The WRX is a growing, very dynamic, young championship. In Lohéac, last September, we were able to feel the great atmosphere, the enthusiasm and the closeness of the public, so much so that there were a lot of green indicators to move forward in this discipline. Especially since our super in-house pilot, Sébastien Loeb, is part of the adventure, for his greatest pleasure and for ours. »

The nine-time world champion WRC (4th in the general classification with one round remaining) asked for guarantees from the French manufacturer in the face of the increase in costs caused by the arrival of Volkswagen and their overwhelmingly authoritative Polo. “We will certainly invest more in the WRX, but we will remain reasonable”, reassures Jean-Marc Finot. “The cursor will move with more management of the operational part by Peugeot Sport and we will move upmarket to improve the competitiveness of the 208 (no victory this season despite an evolution of the car)." On the technical side, the base will remain “an upgraded R5 type car”.

The entry of the Peugeot, aligned by the Hansen structure since 2014, could even take place in another team. “No decision has been made. A change of team is not necessarily desirable, but it remains possible. » The 208 will benefit in any case “forces hitherto allocated to the Dakar program”.

Jean-Marc Finot also places many hopes in a possible future electric category in rallycross. This project could bring together brands already involved in electrical technology, particularly in Formula e. “There is a prospect of electrification which is emerging and which will directly benefit from the influx of manufacturers into Formula e. Within two years, there will be around ten manufacturers in Formula E and, clearly, there will not be ten places on the podium to satisfy them. Therefore, I think that some will turn away from it to look at other formulas, like the E-WRX… if this championship is confirmed”, he nuances.

Discover the full interview with Jean-Marc Finot in issue 2135 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.