Exciting R5 cars break cover

Two cars conforming to the exciting new R5 technical regulations broke cover last week. Peugeot formally unveiled its 208 Type R5 at the Paris Motor Show while Ford’s partner team M-Sport released images of the Fiesta R5.

Motorsport’s world governing body, the FIA, has developed the R5 regulations for national and regional rally championships. Costs will be controlled but the cars, powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, are set to be faster than the 2.0-litre normally aspirated Super 2000 machines, the IRC’s headline category.

Peugeot Sport’s Bertrand Vallat said: “The regulations impose, among other things, a maximum price for certain parts and technical limitations such as a minimum weight of components of the chassis and engine. In addition, a certain number of components of the vehicle must be similar. The hub carrier is a perfect example. All four must be identical. This makes operation considerably easier and limits costs and stocking. We are aiming for performance which is slightly higher than that of the S2000. We are also aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability in competition to reduce operating costs.”

The 208 Type R5 is due to begin testing at the end of the year with a competition debut set for the second half of 2013. M-Sport, meanwhile, has been working on its Fiesta R5 since May of this year. Like the Peugeot, the Fiesta will run before the end of 2012 although its first competitive outing could take place in the spring of 2013.

“The knowledge and experience we’ve gained from our World Rally Car will be transferred into this car,” said M-Sport’s Malcolm Wilson. “It’s going to be a great car and very cost effective.”