Peugeot triumphs for the centenary

All it took was a good choice of tires for Bryan Bouffier and Xavier Panseri to take the lead in Monte-Carlo. Having moved from seventh to first place in the general classification at the end of SS7, the French Champion crew took the reins at the right time and never let go. During the Night of Turini, on snow-free roads, Bryan Bouffier was able to control his end of the race and offer new success to Peugeot , two years after the hat-trick Ogier, Loix, Sarrazin.

“This proves the value of our 207 Super 2000, the talent of our crews and the quality of our organization,” summarizes Olivier Quesnel, director of Peugeot Sport. “You have to know how to remain humble, in Monte-Carlo, even after a triumph, because it was necessarily built by various racing events. When it snowed, our rivals made strategic errors. We were there to enjoy it and take the lead. Let's not shy away from our pleasure: this third victory in Monte-Carlo, for the centenary of the event, has, for Peugeot, an exceptional flavor. »

For his part, Bryan Bouffier, after three Polish Champion titles and one French Champion title, could only be happy to add a line? and what a line! ? to his growing list of achievements. “I am very happy for Peugeot, who did a fantastic job, who pulled out all the stops so that we could win this year. I am very happy to win this Monte-Carlo with Peugeot, we have a superb history together. The fact that it is the Rally centenary adds a little spice. »

However, on asphalt, the 207 S2000 from Peugeot France did not seem the fastest against other formidable rivals, such as Stéphane Sarrazin (Peugeot 207 S2000), Nicolas Vouilloz (Skoda Fabia S2000) or Juho Hänninen (Skoda Fabia S2000). “In pure speed, we were not the fastest,” admits Bouffier. In the history of Monte-Carlo, the hares are rarely the winners in the end. The good choice of tires on Thursday allowed me to move from seventh to first place. It was a very, very good operation. It doesn't matter much. If the snow had fallen later, it could have changed everything! »