ERC – Peugeot wants to win again

This season, the Peugeot 208 T16 R5 made a sensational debut on the international rally scene. From the Acropolis, the Irishman Craig Breen imposed the Lioness on one of the most difficult terrains, and thus followed in the footsteps of a legend of the Sochaux brand, the 205 Turbo 16, which had won 30 years earlier on this same rally. Except that since this triumph in the land of the Gods, the French car has systematically failed in its quest for a second success in ERC. And there was no lack of opportunities, but often, the 208 T16 suffered from small mechanical problems which prevented it from finishing, like in Ypres last weekend, where Kevin Abbring dominated the rally before being forced to retire on the road between SS13 and 14. But the results remain excellent for the boss of the Tricolores.

“Just like in Greece, where Craig dominated in our new car, or in the Azores, where Kevin took a remarkable second place, the 208 once again showed its exceptional potential, declared the Director of Peugeot Sport, Bruno Famin. That said, we should not overlook the fact that the cars at the Peugeot Rallye Academy in Ypres were affected by some unfortunate issues which we recognize and want to address. In light of the results obtained, the 208T16 clearly has a very solid foundation, but we must not forget that it remains new. What's more, like other manufacturers, we find ourselves faced with a complex equation to solve to develop a car with a turbo engine while limiting costs and remaining in line with the R5 regulations, an ethic that we fully support. There are also, of course, the sporting realities of the rallies themselves, which no one underestimates. »

Bruno Famin continues by explaining that Peugeot is fully focused on the evolution of its car. “We are continuing our development program while addressing the problems that have arisen one by one. There weren't that many by the way. Most notably, we experienced difficulties with the differential, which was the cause of Craig's retirement on Saturday. We are working to resolve the issue and an upgrade will be ready very soon. The engine problem that took Kevin out was something we hadn't encountered before. »

The 208 T16 R5s will return to the European Rally Championship in Estonia (July 17-19).