World RX – Loeb: “Catching up for lost time”

The team Peugeot Hansen will look to recover this weekend in Montalegre (Portugal) for the second round of the World RX season after a difficult season opener in Barcelona where the Franco-Swedish team only took 5th place in the Teams standings. .

Sébastien Loeb will notably have to rebuild after having failed at the end of the Barcelona qualifications following an error in mounting the front-left transmission.

“Compared to this type of terrain, a little rough, I think the car has progressed compared to last year, explained Sébastien Loeb who took 5th place in the final in 2016. We should be more efficient at it. Last year the weather was really terrible and I hope it will be better this year. This is not a foregone conclusion, given the surrounding mountains! To make up for the delay suffered in Barcelona, ​​it is imperative that I reach the final phase this weekend. »

Peugeot carried out tests in Barcelona and Estering (Germany) to progress in the development of the 208 WRX. The Sochaux cars will soon have new elements including a new rear wing.

The teams will have to adapt to the Portuguese track, which is mainly made up of loose dirt, which will force engineers to adjust the suspensions differently.