[dropcap]A[/dropcap]head of the opening round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship this weekend, Sébastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen are to take the wraps off the all-new, 2017-configuration PEUGEOT 208 WRX, which boasts a bold new livery and a strikingly aggressive look.
Kevin Hansen, meanwhile, is fired-up to start his maiden full campaign at the pinnacle of the sport behind the wheel of his‘2016 pluses-specification 208.
The 2017 PEUGEOT 208 WRX has evolved in several ways in relation to its predecessor. Every aspect of the car has been re-evaluated, but the major changes have taken place underneath the bonnet, with the introduction of a one-piece engine sump.
The 208 WRX is now at the maximum permissible width, with revised bodywork that incorporates various new aerodynamic elements. Particularly close attention has naturally been paid to the suspension and dampers, as well.
The fast-approaching 2017 season promises to be competitive and thrilling in equal measure, with Audi and Volkswagen pledging manufacturer backing, joining Peugeot and Ford who are both already officially committed to the championship. Sébastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen have been tasked with scoring points for Team Peugeot Hansen at each of the 12 rounds on the calendar, which will visit three different continents and wind up in South Africa in mid-November.
Alongside this dream team, reigning FIA European Rallycross Champion Kevin Hansen will contest the complete World Championship for the first time. Having been crowned ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2016 by the FIA, the 18-year-old is eager to continue his rallycross apprenticeship in the top flight in his ‘2016 plus’ -specification 208.
“We have worked tirelessly all winter to make sure that the 2017-spec PEUGEOT 208 WRX is the best yet,” said Team Principal Kenneth Hansen. “We are in the fortunate position of having three of the championship’s best drivers in our team and, as long as we provide them with a car that inspires confidence, we know they are capable of producing extraordinary performances.
“Nonetheless, it is impossible to predict the World Rallycross pecking order ahead of the first round of the season, because our rivals will certainly not have stood still. The calibre looks set to be higher than ever this year, with four manufacturers now officially represented on the grid. Our approach will be to take each race weekend at a time, with the ultimate objective of fighting for both titles. Barcelona is a track where we have been competitive in the past and one that all of our drivers enjoy, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the action unfolds.”
To Sébastien Loeb of PEUGEOT 208 WRX Barcelona is a great place to start the season.
“And hopefully,” he said, “the weather will be kinder to us than it was in the 2016curtain-raiser at Montalegre in Portugal when, on my full-time championship debut, I was ‘welcomed’ to the fray by a relentless downpour! I like Barcelona as it always brings back many happy memories for me, having driven a variety of different cars there including Red Bull’s F1 car and the PEUGEOT 908 sports car several years ago.
“I’m excited to be back to find out how our new PEUGEOT 208 WRX shapes up against the World Rallycross opposition. The team has put in a tremendous effort over the off-season and, following our most recent test at Lydden Hill, I feel confident that the car has taken a step forward in practically every area, from the engine and chassis to the gearing and damping.
Essentially, it is a more competitive proposition all-round, and it should be more adaptable and quicker than before on lower-grip circuits. Barcelona won’t unduly challenge us in that respect, but it will nonetheless be a fascinating weekend as it will mark our first direct comparison with our rivals, all of whom have similarly stepped it up a notch over the winter months.”
Timmy Hansen (PEUGEOT 208 WRX #21) has this to say: “We have enjoyed a positive series of tests with the2017 version of the PEUGEOT 208 WRX, and we have resolved the few issues that held us back on occasion last year. We can really push this new car to the limit, and it truly rewards an assertive and attacking driving style. I can’t wait to line up on the starting grid in Barcelona, especially as the 208 now has an awesome new livery and a variety of aerodynamic appendages that make it look even more aggressive! Barcelona as a circuit should suit us well. Last year, I was on pole position there in the semi-final and finished second in the final. I’m looking forward to starting the new season there.”
©Copyright MOTORING WORLD INTERNATIONAL.
All rights reserved. Materials, photographs, illustrations and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior written permission from Motoring World International
Contact: editor.motoringworldng@gmail.com
