It is impossible to tire of the intense satisfaction that comes from defeating fierce opposition to triumph, and Team Peugeot Hansen is rapidly becoming accustomed to this sensation. Since the beginning of the summer, the squad has gone on a remarkable winning run – with Davy Jeanney prevailing at Germany’s Estering and Trois-Rivières in Canada, before team-mate Timmy Hansen headed a landmark one-two finish at Hell, Norway, two weeks ago.
For Team Peugeot Hansen, the French round of the championship carries special significance, particularly given that with an anticipated 70,000 spectators, the outing at Lohéac is the second most popular motorsport event in France after the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.
With 550hp underneath the bonnet, the two PEUGEOT 208 WRX Supercars have already showcased their potential at a variety of very different venues, and they are now primed to tackle the challenge presented by Lohéac. Frenchman Davy Jeanney is certainly fired-up for it: “Competing on home turf in front of the French fans will really bring out the best of me. Lohéac is an abrasive track, and it is important to take this factor into account.” It is, moreover, one of Timmy Hansen’s favourite circuits!
In addition to playing a leading role out on-track, Peugeot will also have a prominent presence in the fan zone where many of its racing cars will be on display, including the formidable 208 T16 Pikes Peak. There will also be a question-and-answer session for fans with Team Peugeot Hansen on Saturday afternoon at 18:00 pm.
Kenneth Hansen, Team Principal
”It’s fantastic to be heading to France – Peugeot’s backyard – at the top of the Teams' standings. What’s more, Lohéac is a circuit that we know very well. As ever, we will need to work hard and remain fully focused throughout the race weekend, but we are confident we can fight for victory once again. Replicating our result from Hell will undeniably be a tall order, but if we do manage it, that really would be quite an achievement!”
For those not at Lohéac, the racing will be broadcast on TV in almost 120 countries all around the world. The semi-finals and final will be televised live in France on L’Equipe 21 from 2:00pm on Sunday.
Weekend timetable (local times)
Saturday, September 5
- 10:30: Free Practice
- 14:00: Heat 1 follow by Heat 2
Sunday, September 6
- 08:30: Warm Up
- 10:00: Heat 3 follow by Heat 4
- 14:00: Semi-final and final
Track data
- Length: 1.088km
- Asphalt: 33%
- Gravel: 66%
FIA World Rallycross Championship standings after 8 rounds
Drivers
- Petter Solberg (SDRX, Citroën DS3), 193 pts
- Timmy Hansen (Team Peugeot Hansen, PEUGEOT 208 WRX), 152 pts
- Andreas Bakkerud (Olsbergs MSE AB, Ford Fiesta ST), 140 pts
- Davy Jeanney (Team Peugeot Hansen, PEUGEOT 208 WRX), 139 pts
- Johan Kristoffersson (Volkswagen Team Sweden, Volkswagen Polo), 135 pts
- Reinis Nitiss (Olsbergs MSE AB Ford Fiesta ST), 122 pts
- Mattias Ekström (EKS, Audi S1), 118 pts
- Toomas Heikkinen, (Marklund Motorsport, Volkswagen Polo), 95 pts
Teams
1. Team Peugeot-Hansen, 291 pts
2. Ford Olsbergs MSE, 262 pts
3. SDRX, 218 pts