Meeke finishes in style

Kris Meeke (Peugeot 207 S2000) undoubtedly did not glean his most difficult victory of the year, given the absence of many of the usual drivers (Vouilloz, Loix, Kopecky?). But the Northern Irishman had the merit of not relaxing until the end of this last event of the season. Already titled in IRC two months ago in Italy, Meeke came to showcase his crown in Scotland, and did it rather well.

Since the first special, victory has been decided between the Peugeot UK driver and his compatriot Guy Wilks, who moved from Proton to Skoda. This Saturday, Kris Meeke did the hardest part in the morning, increasing his lead to 28 seconds at the end of the first loop of three specials.

In the afternoon, Guy Wilks tried to get closer, but from a distance. The double British Rally champion gained eight seconds in two special stages before SS13. But the final section of the Scottish event was then canceled due to David Bogie going off the road.

« Bright ! It's a shame that the last event was canceled, but it's fantastic for Peugeot and Kronos, as well as for Guy (Wilks), who drove superbly, said Kris Meeke upon arrival. A dream came true for me this year and I hope I have shown that I am one of the best. It was the best experience of my life. The car has never let me down this season and I have to thank the whole team for that. I dedicate this victory to the man who helped me at the start of my career, Colin McRae. »

Kris Meeke therefore wins the Rally from Scotland, his fifth IRC victory this season. The former mechanical engineer, at 30 years old, is finishing a busy season, where he will have displayed all his maturity. Alongside this victory, the Northern Irishman expressed his desire to defend his title in 2010, and therefore to return to the IRC, with the Peugeot 207 S2000 prepared by the Kronos team. Find the interview with Kris Meeke in AUTOhebdo n°1727 on sale on newsstands, where the driver recounts his journey to this IRC title.